London: Astro Bot dominated the 2025 Bafta Games Awards, winning five major categories including Best Game, Animation, Audio Achievement, Family Game, and Game Design.
Director Nicolas Doucet accepted the top award, dedicating it to game developers who have inspired others to join the industry.
Sony had a strong showing throughout the evening. Its surprise 2024 hit, Helldivers 2, claimed Best Multiplayer and Best Music. Developer Arrowhead’s Chief Creative Officer, Johan Pilestedt, shared that player had reached out to say the game had reconnected them with long-lost gamer friends, some dating back 10 to 15 years.
Horror also had its moment in the spotlight. Still Wakes the Deep, set on a Scottish oil rig in the 1970s, took home three awards. The atmospheric title was praised for its immersive storytelling and design.
Another standout moment came when Thank Goodness You’re Here!, a comedy game set in the fictional northern town of Barnsworth, won Best British Game.
Japanese composer & pianist, Yoko Shimomura,@midiplex has been awarded the Fellowship at the #BAFTAGamesAwards 2025 for her contribution to the Games industry.
The Fellowship is BAFTA’s highest honour recognising those who've made outstanding contributions to the industry💫 pic.twitter.com/gl7R12apop
— BAFTA Games (@BAFTAGames) April 8, 2025
Created by Yorkshire-based developers Will Todd and James Carbutt, the quirky game features voiceovers from the creators and actor Matt Berry. In their acceptance speech, the duo encouraged others to tell their own stories authentically and without compromise.
Indie games also made a mark this year. Balatro, a poker-inspired card game created by a solo developer known only as LocalThunk, won Best Debut.
Actor Ben Starr, appearing in character as Jimbo—complete with face paint and a jester’s hat—accepted the award on the developer’s behalf. He joked that LocalThunk is “really rich now” and used the moment to champion independent creators, calling them “the lifeblood of this industry.”
A highlight of the night was the Bafta Fellowship presentation to legendary composer Yoko Shimomura, known for her iconic music in the Kingdom Hearts series. In an emotional speech, she reflected on times she had nearly given up but credited her supporters for her success. She said, “If the music I have made has resonated with one person and touched their hearts in one way, it was worth it.”
This year’s Bafta Games Awards, held at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, once again proved that creativity, innovation, and heartfelt storytelling continue to define the gaming industry.
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