The BAFTA Game Awards have revealed their nominees for the 2025 ceremony, showcasing a diverse lineup of games competing across 17 categories, including the coveted “Best Game” award. In a surprising move, the organization excluded DLCs from the main categories, meaning Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is notably absent.
Despite being eligible for the “Evolving Game” category, Shadow of the Erdtree failed to secure a nomination. Similarly, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, while present in other categories such as “Best Narrative,” didn’t make the cut for “Best Game.” Instead, unexpected contenders like Balatro and Animal Well earned their spot in the spotlight.
Best Game Nominees
- 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
Key Highlights from the BAFTA Nominations
Animation
Nominees include Astro Bot, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, showcasing impressive visual artistry across various genres.
Artistic Achievement
Standout nominees such as Animal Well, Black Myth: Wukong, and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth highlight the innovation and creativity behind their unique worlds.
British Game
This category celebrates British talent with titles like Botany Manor, Crow Country, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Evolving Game
Heavyweights like Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, and Minecraft dominate this category, which recognizes titles that continue to grow and improve post-launch.
Game Design
Nominees like Helldivers 2, Pacific Drive, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom emphasize innovative gameplay mechanics.
Notable Snubs and Industry Trends
The decision to exclude DLCs from major categories sets the BAFTA Game Awards apart from other ceremonies like The Game Awards. This choice left heavyweights like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree out of the running, which might surprise fans who expected it to sweep awards.
Additionally, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, a favorite for The Game Awards 2024, failed to secure a spot in the “Best Game” category at BAFTA, signaling differing priorities between the two institutions.
A Look Ahead
The BAFTA Game Awards will take place in 2025, after The Game Awards 2024, which airs on December 12. Geoff Keighley’s annual event is expected to reveal trailers for major titles, including Borderlands 4.
With nominees spanning established franchises and indie gems, the BAFTA Game Awards promises to highlight the diverse and evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Stay tuned to see which games come out on top!