Young Game Designers

UK residents (including residents of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)  aged 10 – 18 years old during the school year that began 3 September 2025 (13 August 2025 in Scotland).

Entrant Criteria:

• Must be resident in the UK.
• If under the age of 16 must have at least one parent or legal guardian resident in the UK.
• Must not be closely related to a BAFTA staff member.

Entering as a team:

Entrants can apply as an individual, in a pair, or in a team of three, but only one entry per individual per category can be submitted. I.e. if you are entering as part of one pair or a team, you cannot enter as part of another one.

If entering as part of a team, all members must be in the same age bracket (10-14yrs or 15-18yrs).

Teams and individuals can enter both Game Making and Game Concept Categories, but they must enter with different game ideas. You cannot enter both categories with the same game.

Please note: BAFTA reserves the right to request proof of age for entrants as well as parent’s or guardian’s consent and necessary state of health.

All applications must be done via the online submission form. Entries for 2025 are now closed.

Up to three people can enter as part of a team. You can apply as an individual, in a pair, or in a team of three, but only one entry per individual per category can be submitted. This means if you are entering as part of one pair or a team, you cannot enter as part of another one.

If entering as part of a team all members must be in the same age bracket (10-14yrs or 15-18yrs)

Teams and individuals can enter both Game Making and Game Concept Categories, but they must enter with different game ideas (you cannot enter both categories with the same game).

BAFTA celebrates human creativity and the use of AI is discouraged throughout the competition. YGD is intended to showcase the individual’s unique visions and talent. You will be credited for using your own work, including Artwork, Assets and Written word – you will not be judged on your ability to draw, more how you use your drawings to communicate your ideas.

If AI is used, you will be expected to declare where is has been used, in what capacity and a short justification. This will allow for it to be evaluated during judging. An example of where it would be acceptable is the use of tools to aid accessibility, such as a grammar tool for someone with dyslexia.

In your supporting video you could use AI as part of your initial concepts and mood boards but, for the Concept category consider creating the three submitted pieces yourself.

For Making, there are numerous asset banks available that do not infringe copyright, we still encourage creating your own, but these are not AI so can be used (see T’s&C’s).

All entries are assessed by industry experts. 

Entries for the Game Concept award will be judged on gameplay design, creativity and suitability for chosen games platform.

Entries for the Game Making award must have at least one playable level and will be judged on game build, gameplay experience, creativity and suitability for chosen platform.

For further Entry Requirements please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Great! We have a collection of resources including session activities and worksheets available to support those entering the competition. Our worksheets are also suitable for entrants to enter them as part of their ‘supporting materials’.

There are also separate Teacher Resources that include a classroom poster, letter to parents and information about teacher workshops.  You can request an idea generator card pack from [email protected]

This means you’ve made it into the top ten games in your category! Amazing! Someone from our team will be in touch and let you know all the details you need to know about participation in the virtual Ceremony, prizes etc.

Telephone calls will be made to the short listed entrants and their parent/guardian in order to check eligibility. Telephone calls may be recorded for reference purposes.

Participants may be requested to provide proof of age before being allowed to proceed with the competition.

If an entrant is unable to be contacted after reasonable attempts have been made to do so, BAFTA reserves right to offer their place to the next best entrant. Unsuccessful entrants will receive an automatic notification after judging is completed.

Winners and shortlisted entrants will be expected to take part in post-competition publicity for BAFTA.