The 2025 BAFTA Games Awards, held on April 8 at London’s Southbank Centre, celebrated the best in video game artistry, storytelling, and innovation. This year’s ceremony was notable for the sweeping success of Sony’s platformer Astro Bot, which picked up five awards: Best Game, Game Design, Family, Audio Achievement, and Animation. Developed by Team Asobi, Astro Bot has been praised for its inventive level design, charming characters, and immersive soundscape, setting a high bar for family-friendly gaming experiences.
Following Astro Bot’s standout performance, indie horror title Still Wakes the Deep earned three awards—New IP, Performer in a Leading Role, and Performer in a Supporting Role—for its tense narrative aboard a besieged Scottish oil rig. Voice actors Fiona Pears and John McDonnell were recognized for bringing depth to their characters, highlighting the growing importance of performance in games. Meanwhile, Helldivers 2 took home awards for Music and Multiplayer, celebrating its rousing orchestral score and cooperative gameplay, while Hellblade II was honored with Technical Achievement for its groundbreaking use of real-time motion capture and photorealistic graphics.
Other notable winners included Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, which received the Game Beyond Entertainment award for its thoughtful exploration of West African history and folklore. The Evolving Game category saw surprise winner Vampire Survivors edge out heavyweights like No Man’s Sky, recognizing its ongoing updates and community-driven development. Balatro claimed the Debut Game award, marking a strong entry for its quirky strategy mechanics, and the British Game award went to Thank Goodness You’re Here, a comedic title that showcased the UK’s unique sense of humor.
The ceremony was hosted by British comedian and gamer Maya Jama, who brought energy and levity to the evening. BAFTA reported a 20% increase in global livestream viewership compared to last year, underscoring the growing interest in gaming as a cultural phenomenon. This year’s awards also featured a new category—Accessibility—highlighting games that push the envelope in making gameplay inclusive for players with disabilities. While no award was given in this inaugural category, its introduction signals BAFTA’s commitment to diversity and accessibility in the industry.
As the BAFTA Games Awards enter their 21st year, the event continues to shine a spotlight on the creativity, technical prowess, and storytelling excellence driving the medium forward. With Astro Bot’s multi-award haul leading the way, this year’s winners reflect a vibrant and evolving landscape where indie developers stand shoulder to shoulder with major studios in pushing interactive entertainment to new heights.
