The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled the longlist for its prestigious 2025 Games Awards, marking the commencement of the annual celebration of excellence in the video game industry. Culled from a pool of 247 eligible titles released between November 25, 2023, and November 15, 2024, the longlist comprises 58 games vying for recognition across various categories. This initial selection, a testament to the diverse and thriving landscape of interactive entertainment, was determined by the votes of 1,300 BAFTA members drawn from the gaming industry, showcasing a collective appreciation for both mainstream blockbusters and innovative independent creations. Notably, this year marks the first time BAFTA has publicly revealed the longlist for the coveted Best Game category, further amplifying the anticipation surrounding this year’s awards.
The ten games vying for the Best Game award present a compelling mix of genres and styles, reflecting the breadth of experiences available to players. The list includes highly anticipated titles like Black Myth: Wukong, the action RPG inspired by Chinese mythology, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, the latest offering from the creators of Persona. It also recognizes the enduring appeal of established franchises with entries like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Indie darlings Animal Well, Balatro, and Thank Goodness You’re Here! represent the vibrant independent scene, showcasing innovative gameplay and unique artistic visions. Rounding out the Best Game contenders are Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, each contributing their distinct flavor to this competitive field.
Beyond the Best Game category, the broader longlist showcases the remarkable depth and variety within the gaming industry. From sprawling role-playing epics like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Diablo IV to immersive simulations like Factorio and Planet Coaster 2, the selection represents a wide range of player experiences. Critically acclaimed narrative adventures like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Star Wars Outlaws share the spotlight with innovative indie gems like Crow Country, Still Wakes the Deep, and Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. The inclusion of titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Tekken 8 further underscores the enduring power of established franchises, while games like Harold Halibut and Paper Trail exemplify the artistry and creativity found within the independent development space.
The 2025 BAFTA Games Awards longlist demonstrates a keen eye for recognizing both critical darlings and commercially successful titles. The inclusion of games like Black Myth: Wukong, also a frontrunner for the Golden Joystick Awards, confirms BAFTA’s alignment with broader industry trends while its embrace of indie gems like Balatro highlights its commitment to celebrating innovation and artistic merit. The overlap with the Golden Joystick Awards nominees, with seven shared titles, suggests a consensus around the standout games of the year. However, the inclusion of titles like Thank Goodness You’re Here! and the omission of others like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demonstrate BAFTA’s distinct perspective and criteria for recognizing excellence.
The selection process for the final nominees and eventual winners involves a two-tiered system. Following the announcement of the longlist, all 58 games progress to the next voting phase. BAFTA members will cast their votes in January 2025 to determine the nominees for the Best Game and British Game categories. For all other award categories, specialized juries comprised of industry experts will curate the shortlist of nominees. This blending of member votes and jury decisions aims to ensure a balanced and informed selection process, reflecting both popular appeal and critical acclaim.
The next milestone in the BAFTA Games Awards journey is the unveiling of the final nominations, scheduled for March 4, 2025. This announcement will solidify the contenders for each award category, setting the stage for the culminating event – the BAFTA Games Awards ceremony on April 8, 2025. This prestigious event will celebrate the achievements of the gaming industry, recognizing the creativity, innovation, and technical prowess displayed in the past year’s releases. The BAFTA Games Awards serve not only as a celebration of the industry but also as a valuable platform for showcasing the cultural impact and artistic merit of video games.
