BAFTA Makes the Bold Move of Not Including DLC For Its GotY Nominees

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled its extensive longlist for the 2025 BAFTA Games Awards. Check out the list to see if your favorite game made the cut!

58 Games Chosen from 247 Entries

BAFTA's 2025 Games Awards longlist features 58 games across 17 categories, selected from a total of 247 submissions. These games were released between November 25, 2023, and November 15, 2024.

The final nominations will be announced on March 4, 2025, with the awards ceremony taking place on April 8, 2025.

The highly anticipated "Best Game" category boasts a diverse selection of ten titles:

⚫︎ 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

In 2024, Baldur's Gate 3 achieved this prestigious honor, winning six awards from ten nominations.

Other games, while not competing for "Best Game," are still eligible for 16 other categories:

⚫︎ Animation ⚫︎ Artistic Achievement ⚫︎ Audio Achievement ⚫︎ British Game ⚫︎ Debut Game ⚫︎ Evolving Game ⚫︎ Family ⚫︎ Game Beyond Entertainment ⚫︎ Game Design ⚫︎ Multiplayer ⚫︎ Music ⚫︎ Narrative ⚫︎ New Intellectual Property ⚫︎ Technical Achievement ⚫︎ Performer in a Leading Role ⚫︎ Performer in a Supporting Role

Notable Exclusions from "Best Game"

Several prominent 2024 releases, including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Silent Hill 2, are absent from the "Best Game" category. This is due to BAFTA's eligibility rules, which exclude remasters, remakes, and DLCs from the main award, though they may be considered in other categories. These titles remain eligible for awards in other categories such as Music, Narrative, and Technical Achievement. The absence of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is noteworthy, although its eligibility for other year-end awards is expected.

The complete BAFTA Games Awards longlist is available on the official BAFTA website.