The BAFTA Game Awards are one of the most prestigious events in the video game calendar. Each year, hundreds of community members from various specialist areas within the industry vote on the best games across various categories, including Animation, Performer in a Leading Role, and Games Beyond Entertainment. This year there are 41 games up for awards across 17 different categories.
Ahead of this year’s event, Game Rant spoke with BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip to discuss the 2025 awards in more detail. She explained how important it is for the awards to recognize all studios, both large and small. She also talked about her favorite thing about the awards and how it makes the gaming community come together.
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The 2025 BAFTA Game Awards Are a Celebration of All Games
The range of categories that the BAFTA Game Awards covers means that it isn’t just the usual array of blockbuster titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Astro Bot that are celebrated. Plenty of smaller games from talented indie studios, such as Still Wakes The Deep, Thank Goodness you’re Here!, and Balatro, receive strong representation too. Millichip explained that this diversity is crucial for the awards and the industry as a whole. She said,
”It’s really important at BAFTA that we see strong health in both small indie studios and the big studios. We need both in order for this sector to really thrive. You need the engine of the big studios to drive the momentum, but then we also need to create the space for smaller studios and designers. I think that embracing the full ecosystem is really important. I don’t think there are many modern art forms where you see such a variety of not just genres and creative endeavors, but you see such a range in the size of the studios represented. That’s really unusual, but I think it’s a healthy thing.”
Millichip was quick to point out that, having been in the role for a few years now, it’s clear to her that the BAFTA Game Awards are distinctive compared to their TV and movie counterparts. On award nights, she described how the gaming industry’s sense of community shines brightly. Millichip explained,
”This will be my third Game Awards. The thing that I find distinctive about the BAFTA Games Awards is just how much people still cheer when they lose. The amount of community spirit is amazing. Everybody really is there to celebrate the whole games industry. I think that support is what I really look forward to with the Games Awards. I don’t expect anything different this year, it’ll be an absolute blinder.”
Millichip’s admission is an incredibly positive one. Hopefully, it will provide a shot in the arm for an industry that hasn’t had the easiest 12 months. Despite the gaming industry going through a tough time with layoffs recently, it’s evident that there is still plenty of talent and creativity to celebrate, and the BAFTA Game Awards will be aiming to do just that.
The 2025 BAFTA Game Awards will take place on April 8.
BAFTA Game Awards
- Location
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United Kingdom
- Dates
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Annual