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

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

58 Games from 247 Entries

BAFTA's longlist comprises 58 games across 17 categories, selected from 247 submissions. These games were released between November 25th, 2023, and November 15th, 2024. The final nominees will be revealed on March 4th, 2025, with the awards ceremony taking place on April 8th, 2025.

The highly anticipated "Best Game" category features these ten contenders:

• 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 took home the top prize, winning six awards out of ten nominations.

While some games didn't make the "Best Game" shortlist, they remain eligible for other awards:

• 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 are absent from the "Best Game" category, including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Silent Hill 2. This is due to BAFTA's eligibility rules, which exclude remasters, remakes, and DLC released outside the eligibility period. While not eligible for "Best Game," these titles remain in contention for other awards such as Music, Narrative, and Technical Achievement. The absence of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is particularly noteworthy, and its reasons remain unstated by BAFTA, although it is expected to feature in other year-end awards.

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