The BAFTA Games Awards 2025 are just around the corner, and the final list of nominees is finally here! On April 8, the prestigious prizes will be awarded in London, and the competition is fiercer than ever. From creative indie surprises to AAA successes, this year the gaming world is once again showing its full range. But who are the favorites? Which games have the greatest chances? And are there any surprises or controversies? Find out everything about the hottest candidates here.
A strong year for innovation and diversity
With 41 nominated games in 17 categories, the BAFTA Games Awards 2025 reflect the impressive diversity of the gaming industry. While some blockbusters such as Black Myth: Wukong or Helldivers 2 shine in several categories, indie titles such as Balatro or Animal Well provide exciting competition. Particularly noteworthy: the range extends from narrative masterpieces to innovative multiplayer concepts and technical milestones.
A special highlight is the “Best Game” category, in which Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Astro Bot, Thank Goodness You’re Here! and Balatro are competing for the coveted title. Each of these titles has its own fan base and has convinced with unique strengths.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 leads with 11 nominations
No game has been nominated more often than Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. With a total of 11 nominations, including in the categories of “Artistic Achievement,” “Narrative” and “Music,” the cinematic adventure from Ninja Theory could be one of the big winners of the evening. The impressive portrayal of psychosis and the dark atmosphere have already received praise in the past – now the game has to hold its own against strong competition.
Surprises and favorites in the categories
Alongside the usual suspects, there are also some surprises. Thank Goodness You’re Here! has established itself as an unexpected hit with seven nominations, while Still Wakes the Deep proves that atmospheric horror games are still popular with eight nominations. PS5 exclusive Astro Bot has also secured a strong starting position with eight nominations.
In the “Multiplayer” category, it comes to an exciting showdown: Helldivers 2, Tekken 8, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, LEGO Horizon Adventures and Super Mario Party Jamboree are fighting for the title. This will show whether classic shooter and fighting game experiences can prevail against creative co-op concepts.
All categories and nominees at a glance
Table of Contents
Best Game
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Helldivers 2
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Astro Bot
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!
- Balatro
Artistic Achievement
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
- Still Wakes the Deep
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Viewfinder
- Cocoon
- Pacific Drive
Audio Achievement
- Alan Wake 2
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Best Narrative
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
- Alan Wake 2
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
Game Design
- Balatro
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Helldivers 2
- Viewfinder
- Animal Well
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Multiplayer
- Helldivers 2
- Tekken 8
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
- LEGO Horizon Adventures
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
Music
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
- Alan Wake 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Technical Achievement
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Alan Wake 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Animation
- Alan Wake 2
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Pacific Drive
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Spider-Man 2
Other categories include “Performer in a Leading Role,” “Performer in a Supporting Role,” “EE Game of the Year” (audience award), “Debut Game,” and many more.
Who will win?
The BAFTA Games Awards are considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, as they often set different priorities than mainstream events like The Game Awards. Indie games have traditionally had a strong presence, while artistic and narrative achievements are also particularly honored. Whether Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will dominate with its eleven nominations or whether there will be surprise victories remains to be seen.
The ceremony will take place on April 8, 2025 and will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch Who will ultimately take home the prizes will then be decided – and until then there will be plenty of room for speculation and fan discussion.
