As the year draws to a close, the anticipation for gaming’s most prestigious accolades intensifies, with award nominations being unveiled for the industry’s top performers. Following the announcements from The Game Awards, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has revealed its longlist of potential nominees, providing a glimpse into the games vying for recognition. Unlike The Game Awards, which directly announces nominees, the BAFTAs initially present a broader selection of contenders before narrowing it down to a shortlist. This year, the longlist comprises 58 games across various categories, with 10 prominent titles competing for the coveted Best Game award.
The BAFTAs longlist often mirrors nominees from other award shows, but also includes some distinctive choices. One notable surprise is the inclusion of “Thank Goodness You’re Here!”, a quirky British game infused with absurdist humor reminiscent of Monty Python. This short animated adventure stands out amidst the larger-scale titles, showcasing the BAFTAs’ appreciation for unique and innovative experiences. In general, the BAFTAs tend to embrace a wider range of games, including smaller indie titles, compared to other major award shows. This inclusive approach is exemplified by the previous win of “Vampire Survivors,” a relatively low-budget game that unexpectedly claimed the Best Game award two years prior. This precedent underscores the BAFTAs’ commitment to recognizing excellence across the gaming spectrum.
The 10 games vying for the Best Game award represent a diverse selection of genres and styles. From the immersive exploration of “Animal Well” to the thrilling action of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” the longlist encompasses a wide range of player experiences. Other notable contenders include the atmospheric “Black Myth: Wukong,” the cooperative shooter “Helldivers 2,” and the highly anticipated “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.” The inclusion of “Thank Goodness You’re Here!” adds a touch of quirky British humor to the mix, while “Metaphor: ReFantazio” promises a unique and thought-provoking narrative. Rounding out the list are “Astro Bot,” “Balatro,” and “Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2,” showcasing the breadth of gaming experiences considered for the award.
Beyond the Best Game category, the BAFTAs longlist encompasses a wealth of titles across various genres. Role-playing enthusiasts can anticipate potential nominations for “Baldur’s Gate 3,” “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” and “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.” Action-adventure fans can look forward to the possible inclusion of “Batman: Arkham Shadow,” “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” and “Star Wars Outlaws.” Strategy aficionados may see nominations for “Factorio,” “Frostpunk 2,” and “World of Warcraft.” The longlist also acknowledges indie gems like “Botany Manor,” “A Highland Song,” and “Paper Trail,” demonstrating the BAFTAs’ continued support for independent game development.
The extensive 58-game longlist underscores the vibrant and diverse landscape of the gaming industry in 2024. From sprawling open-world adventures to intimate narrative experiences, the BAFTAs’ selections highlight the breadth and depth of creativity within the medium. The inclusion of both established franchises and indie darlings reflects a commitment to recognizing excellence regardless of budget or scale. The longlist also emphasizes the global nature of game development, with titles originating from various countries and cultures.
The next stage of the BAFTAs process involves the announcement of the official shortlist on March 5, 2025. This refined selection will reveal which games have advanced to the final round of consideration for each category. The awards ceremony itself will take place on April 8, 2024, where the winners will be revealed and celebrated. As the anticipation builds for both the shortlist announcement and the awards ceremony, the BAFTAs longlist offers a compelling preview of the games that have captivated players and critics throughout the year. It stands as a testament to the continued growth and evolution of the gaming industry, showcasing its capacity to deliver immersive, engaging, and thought-provoking experiences.
