The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced its extensive longlist for the 2025 BAFTA Games Awards. A total of 58 games, selected from 247 submissions, are in contention across 17 categories. These games were released between November 25, 2023, and November 15, 2024.
The final nominations will be revealed on March 4, 2025, with the awards ceremony taking place on April 8, 2025.
Best Game Contenders:
Ten titles are vying for the coveted Best Game award:
- ANIMAL WELL
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Helldivers 2
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Following Baldur's Gate 3's six-award sweep in 2024 (from ten nominations), this year's competition promises to be equally fierce.
Other Categories:
While some titles didn't make the Best Game cut, they remain eligible for other awards: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, British Game, Debut Game, Evolving Game, Family, Game Beyond Entertainment, Game Design, Multiplayer, Music, Narrative, New Intellectual Property, Technical Achievement, Performer in a Leading Role, and Performer in a Supporting Role.
Notable Exclusions from Best Game:
The BAFTA's decision to exclude certain high-profile releases from the Best Game category has sparked discussion. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Silent Hill 2 are notably absent. This is due to BAFTA's eligibility rules, which exclude remasters released outside the eligibility period, and full remakes or substantial DLC from the Best Game and British Game categories. However, these titles may still compete in other categories, such as Music, Narrative, and Technical Achievement.
The full longlist and category details are available on the official BAFTA Games Awards website.
