At the 2025 BAFTA Games Awards, Astro Bot made a sweeping victory by claiming five awards, including those for Best Design, Best Family Game, and the coveted Best Game title.
The prestigious ceremony, hosted by BAFTA, known for applauding excellence in the gaming industry, took place in London on the night of April 8th, 2025. Astro Bot achieved remarkable success alongside other leading contenders such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 with 11 nominations, and Still Wakes the Deep with eight nominations. Other notable mentions included seven nominations for Thank Goodness You’re Here!, six for Black Myth: Wukong, and five for Helldivers 2.
During his acceptance speech, Nicolas Doucet, the director of Astro Bot, gave a heartfelt acknowledgment to the trailblazing game developers of yesteryears. He expressed gratitude for their legacy, which has paved the way for visionary teams like Team Asobi and others who continue to thrive today.
Astro Bot indeed stole the spotlight, but the night also shone brightly for The Chinese Room’s Still Wakes the Deep, clinching three awards, particularly both performer accolades. Helldivers 2 also basked in success with two BAFTA wins.
The celebration of creativity did not stop there. Thank Goodness You’re Here!, along with Balatro and Metaphor: Refantazio, were recognized among the night’s achievements.
Here’s a list of the 2025 BAFTA Game Awards winners:
– Best Animation: Astro Bot
– Artistic Achievement: Neva
– Audio Achievement: Astro Bot
– Best Game: Astro Bot
– Best British Game: Thank Goodness You’re Here!
– Best Debut Game: Balatro
– Best Evolving Game: Vampire Survivors
– Best Family Game: Astro Bot
– Fellowship: Yoko Shimomura
– Game Beyond Entertainment: Tales of Kenzera: Zau
– Best Game Design: Astro Bot
– Best Multiplayer: Helldivers 2
– Best Music: Helldivers 2
– Best Narrative: Metaphor: Refantazio
– Best New Intellectual Property: Still Wakes the Deep
– Best Performer in a Leading Role: Alex Newman (Still Wakes the Deep)
– Best Performer in a Supporting Role: Karen Dunbar (Still Wakes the Deep)
– Best Technical Achievement: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Reflecting on the 2024 edition of the awards, it was Baldur’s Gate 3 that had taken home five awards, including Best Game, with titles like Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder also securing wins.
In an intriguing public survey conducted by BAFTA, Shenmue emerged as the most influential video game of all time, a result that surprised many considering the array of iconic games in the running. Despite competitors like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2, it was Sega’s 1999 action-adventure gem that topped the polls.
For those curious to know more about the gaming industry or delve into related insights, Vikki Blake brings her expertise as a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. Beyond her critical acclaim, she is known for her presence in the gaming communities across Guardian posts, Spartan environments, Silent Hill fandoms, and much more. You can follow her latest musings on BlueSky.
