Shortly before his death, Lawson was recognized at IDEO Labs for his pioneering work in video game technology.

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) recognized Lawson as a pioneer for his contributions to the gaming industry.

Lawson's contributions to the gaming industry were archived at the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring his legacy is preserved for future generations.

Google honored Lawson with a Google Doodle on December 1, 2019, on what would have been his 79th birthday. The doodle featured an interactive game that allowed users to create and play their own video games.

Lawson's accomplishments were recognized at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, cementing his place in the history of entertainment and technology.

Lawson's invention of the ROM cartridge system continues to influence the video game industry. His contributions paved the way for modern game consoles and the way games are distributed and played. He serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and game developers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.