The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced the nominees for its 2025 Games Awards, marking the 21st iteration of this prestigious event. This year’s nominations showcase a diverse array of titles, from blockbuster sequels to innovative indie games, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape.
Leading the Nominations
Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II stands out with an impressive 11 nominations. The game has been recognized in categories including British Game, Game Beyond Entertainment, and Narrative. However, it notably missed out on a Best Game nomination.
Following closely, Astro Bot and The Chinese Room’s Still Wakes the Deep each garnered eight nominations. Thank Goodness You’re Here! secured seven nominations, including a spot in the Best Game category.
Best Game Contenders
The coveted Best Game category features a mix of genres and styles, highlighting the industry’s breadth:
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Helldivers 2
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!
This eclectic lineup underscores BAFTA’s commitment to recognizing both mainstream and independent titles.
Recognizing Artistic and Technical Excellence
Beyond the headline categories, several games have been acknowledged for their artistic and technical achievements:
- Artistic Achievement: Nominees include Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, Harold Halibut, Neva, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and Still Wakes the Deep.
- Audio Achievement: Contenders are Animal Well, Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Star Wars Outlaws, and Still Wakes the Deep.
These nominations highlight the industry’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries and enhancing player immersion.
The announcement has sparked discussions across the gaming community. BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip expressed delight at the diversity and quality of the nominees, highlighting the varied genres, narratives, and studio sizes represented.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their excitement and support for their favorite titles, with many praising the inclusion of indie games alongside major releases.
The 21st BAFTA Games Awards ceremony is scheduled for April 8, 2025, and will be streamed live on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. As anticipation builds, the event promises to celebrate the creativity and innovation that define the gaming industry today.
For a comprehensive list of nominees and categories, visit BAFTA’s official website.
