The founders of BioWare have been named members of the Order of Canada, that nation’s highest honor for civilians who have made contributions to society.

The award was announced this week. Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, both of Edmonton, Alberta, join more than 100 others appointed to the Order this year. The two physicians left the studio in 2012 to retire from video games development and pursue other ventures.

In an interview with CBC News, Zeschuk said he believed the honor was conferred because BioWare started, and has remained headquartered, in Edmonton. Electronic Arts acquired the studio in 2007.

Honored to be named a Member of the Order of Canada with my friend @DoctorZee! "Edmonton @BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk receive the Order of Canada | CBC News" https://t.co/d3xHMvIXfG — Ray Muzyka (@RayMuzyka) December 27, 2018

“As an industry, video games in Alberta wouldn’t be here without BioWare as a foundation,” Muzyka told the CBC.

The citation presented by Julie Payette, the Governor General of Canada, said the Order was honoring Zeschuk and Muzyka for “revolutionary contributions to the video game industry.”

BioWare is well known for developing deep role-playing video game experiences, starting with Jade Empire and the Baldur’s Gate franchise, and then the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series. The studio’s next game is Anthem, coming Feb. 22, 2019, on PlayStation 4, Windows PC and Xbox One.