BAFTA
The first thing that grabs you when reading a list comprised of the 60 games collected here is that 2023 has set a new high bar in showcasing not just the best of what is technically possible in the medium, but the immense breadth and diversity of incredible games that are delivering experiences at a globally competitive level.
These games represent overwhelming proof of the tremendous creative talent prevalent across the industry, expertly crafting new worlds, ideas and immersion that push the boundaries of our expectations. From blockbuster games created by global teams of hundreds to titles by tiny independent studios making their mark, these games reflect a year defined by its sheer range, and one we can be sure includes something for everyone.
The games of 2023 also provide us with a dizzying wealth of deep and heartfelt stories, with narratives ranging from a fantastical or galactic scale down to the intensely intimate and personal. Most importantly, these games enable us to explore and ask questions about ourselves, and to grapple with meaningful issues as we take our own journey through the worlds they create.
And regardless of your choice of device – whether console, PC, mobile or VR – these games give players unparalleled choice and continue to expand the graphical and technical horizons made possible with modern hardware.
While we reflect on a year in which the industry and those in it experienced many challenges, all these games, and really all games, speak to us about our shared humanity. Games are made by people, for people, and continue to give us a new language by which to express ourselves. They offer us joy, respite, contemplation, challenge, community, or a lens through which we can look on ourselves, and society.
And, uniquely to BAFTA, this is the only ‘best games of the year’ list voted for, and shaped by, those same game makers. Whatever your personal preferences, we’re certain you’ll agree there is much to enjoy – and plenty, of course, to debate.
How BAFTA's Best Games list works
ALAN WAKE 2
BAFTA
Alan Wake 2 pushes players into a psychological horror story from the perspective of two playable characters. FBI agent Saga Anderson risks her life to solve a deadly mystery of murders in the Pacific Northwest while thriller writer Alan Wake attempts to rewrite his reality to escape the depths of the Dark Place, a nightmare version of New York City where he has been trapped for the past 13 years.
Alan Wake 2 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Best Game, Game Design, Music, Narrative, Technical Achievement, Performer in a Leading Role (Ilkka Villi as Alan Wake (Live Action + Mocap), Matthew Porretta as Alan Wake (Voice), Melanie Liburd as Saga Anderson), Performer in a Supporting Role (James McCaffrey as Alex Casey (Voice), Martti Suosalo as Ahti, Sam Lake as Alex Casey (Live Action + Mocap))
ASSASSIN'S CREED MIRAGE
BAFTA
In Assassin's Creed Mirage, you are Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions seeking answers and justice. Join an ancient organisation and come to understand a new creed – one that will change Basim’s fate in ways he never could have imagined.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Animation, Audio Achievement, Music
ATOMIC HEART
BAFTA
Welcome to a utopian world of wonders and perfection, in which humans live in harmony with their loyal and fervent robots. Well, that’s how it used to be. With the launch of the latest robot-control system mere days away, only a tragic accident or a global conspiracy could disrupt it…
Atomic Heart is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Debut Game
BALDUR'S GATE 3
BAFTA
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power. Mysterious abilities are awakening inside you, drawn from a mind flayer parasite planted in your brain. Resist, and turn darkness against itself. Or embrace corruption, and become ultimate evil.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Mac, PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Best Game, Game Design, Multiplayer, Music, Narrative, Technical Achievement, Performer in a Leading Role (Amelia Tyler as Narrator, Neil Newbon as Astarion, Samantha Béart as Karlach), Performer in a Supporting Role (Andrew Wincott as Raphael, Dave Jones as Halsin, Tracy Wiles as Jaheira)
BATTLEFIELD 2042
BAFTA
With the help of a cutting-edge arsenal, engage in intense, immersive multiplayer battles that return to the iconic all-out warfare that Battlefield fans know and love. Lead your team to victory in both large all-out warfare and close-quarters combat on maps from the world of 2042 and classic Battlefield titles, as well as custom creations in the Battlefield Portal sandbox mode.
Battlefield 2042 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game
BLUEY: THE VIDEOGAME
BAFTA
Join the fun with Bluey and her family in Bluey: The Videogame! Play a brand-new story set across 4 interactive episodes. For the first time ever, explore iconic locations such as the Heeler House, Playgrounds, Creek and a bonus beach location. Play your favourite games from the TV show, including Keepy Uppy, Chattermax Chase, and more!
Bluey: The Videogame is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Family
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE III
BAFTA
In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, players will experience a rich and immersive campaign with unprecedented player choice, all-new open world Zombies set on the largest Call of Duty Zombies map ever, and one of the greatest collections of Modern Warfare multiplayer maps ever assembled – both fan favorites and all new ones.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Audio Achievement, Multiplayer, Technical Achievement
CASSETTE BEASTS
BAFTA
Cassette Beasts is an open-world RPG that lets players collect and transform into awesome monsters in thrilling turn-based battles. On the remote island of New Wirral, people can use cassette tapes to transform into strange creatures and battle. Players will need to explore the island and record a menagerie of mighty monsters on cassette tapes to gain their abilities and find a way home.
Cassette Beats is available on PC, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: British Game
CHANTS OF SENNAAR
BAFTA
Divided since the dawn of time, the Peoples of the Tower no longer speak to each other. But it is said that one day, a Traveler will find the wisdom to break down the walls and restore the Balance. Explore and discover an enthralling world in a colorful, poetic setting inspired by the myth of Babel, where men have forgotten their past.
Chants of Sennaar is available on PC, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox One
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment, New Intellectual Property
COCOON
BAFTA
COCOON is a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, where each world exists within an orb that you can carry on your back. Wrap your head around the core mechanic of leaping between worlds—and combine, manipulate, and rearrange them to solve intricate puzzles.
COCOON is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Artistic Achievement, Best Game, Debut Game, Family, Game Design, New Intellectual Property
CYBERPUNK 2077
BAFTA
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the megalopolis of Night City, where you play as a cyberpunk mercenary wrapped up in a do-or-die fight for survival. Phantom Liberty is a spy-thriller expansion for Cyberpunk 2077. When the orbital shuttle of the President of the New United States of America is shot down over the deadliest district of Night City, there’s only one person who can save her — you.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game, Performer in a Supporting Role (Idris Elba as Solomon Reed)
DAVE THE DIVER
BAFTA
DAVE THE DIVER is a hybrid marine adventure set in a mysterious Blue Hole where the ecology and terrain continue to change. Combining adventure and tycoon gameplay, DAVE THE DIVER provides a variety of fun experiences.
DAVE THE DIVER is available on Mac, PC, Switch
Longlist category: Best Game, Debut Game, Family, Game Design, Narrative, New Intellectual Property
DEAD ISLAND 2
BAFTA
Dead Island 2 is stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection. Explore iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer!
Dead Island 2 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: British Game
DELIVER US MARS
BAFTA
Deliver Us Mars follows astronaut-in-training Kathy Johanson as she joins the crew of the Zephyr space shuttle, who are tasked with a crucial mission: to recover enormous colony ships known as ARKs, which have the power to reverse the devastating effects of climate change on a near-future Earth.
Deliver Us Mars is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment
DIABLO IV
BAFTA
In Diablo IV, players are plunged into a dark story unlike any other. Free to forge their own bloody path across the most expansive and horrific hellscapes, they can wield weapons of astonishing power, cutting down unending waves of vile demons in order to come face-to-face with true evil in the form of Lilith, daughter of hatred.
Diablo IV is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Artistic Achievement, Multiplayer, Music, Narrative
DISNEY ILLUSION ISLAND
BAFTA
Join Mickey & Friends as they explore the mysterious island of Monoth, on a quest to recover three mystical books and save the world from disaster! In this brand new 1-4 player cooperative adventure platformer, you’ll navigate as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy through a beautifully hand-crafted world.
Disney Illusion Island is available on Switch
Longlist category: British Game, Family, Multiplayer
DREDGE
BAFTA
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
DREDGE is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Best Game, Debut Game, Game Design, Narrative, New Intellectual Property
EA SPORTS FC 24
BAFTA
EA SPORTS FC 24 is a new era for The World’s Game—19,000+ fully licensed players, 700+ teams, and 30+ leagues playing together in the most authentic football experience ever created.
EA SPORTS FC 24 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Family, Multiplayer
EA SPORTS WRC
BAFTA
EA SPORTS WRC, the official game of the FIA World Rally Championship, delivers a truly authentic experience for players, featuring unparalleled realism, longer stages and a new Dynamic Handling System featuring feedback from real-world drivers, allowing players greater control to tackle jumps, hairpin turns, changing weather conditions, and surface feedback.
EA SPORTS WRC is available on PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: British Game
EN GARDE!
BAFTA
En Garde! is an action-adventure game that offers players the chance to step into the boots of Adalia de Volador, a legendary swashbuckling hero, in a fantasized vision of the 17th century. Players can embark on daring escapades filled with charm and humour, challenge the treachery of the cruel Count-Duke and oppose tyranny with panache!
En Garde is available on PC
Longlist category: Debut Game
F1 23
BAFTA
F1 23 delivers a truly authentic experience with players competing against every team and driver across all circuits for the 2023 season. Players will create headlines with the return of ‘Braking Point’, and can also enjoy enjoy F1 World, a new central hub to both connecting drivers with more ways to engage with the sport they love through daily, weekly, and seasonal solo, online and multiplayer content tied to the real-world calendar.
F1 23 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: British Game
FINAL FANTASY XIV: ONLINE
BAFTA
FINAL FANTASY XIV Online is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game from Square Enix. The fourth expansion, Endwalker, released in November 2021, concluded a narrative that had been intricately woven over the course of a decade.
Final Fantasy XIV: Online is available on Mac, PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Longlist category: Evolving Game
FINAL FANTASY XVI
BAFTA
FINAL FANTASY XVI brings players into a world where Eikons are powerful and deadly creatures that reside within Dominants—a single man or woman who is blessed with the ability to call upon their dreaded power. The story follows Clive Rosfield, a young man dedicated to mastering the blade, who is dubbed the First Shield of Rosaria and tasked to guard his younger brother Joshua—the Dominant of the Phoenix. Unexpected events set Clive on a dark and dangerous road to revenge.
Final Fantasy XVI is available on Playstation 5
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Music, Narrative, Technical Achievement, Performer in a Leading Role (Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield), Performer in a Supporting Role (Ralph Ineson as Cidolfus "Cid" Telamon)
FOOTBALL MANAGER 2024
BAFTA
Football Manager 2024 lets players write their own football story as manager of their favourite club and it's packed with new features influenced by new and existing partners within professional football.
Football Manager 2024 is available on Android, iOS, Mac, PC, Playstation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: British Game
FORTNITE
BAFTA
Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that's right for you and your friends.
Fortnite is available on Android, PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game
FORZA HORIZON 5
BAFTA
In Forza Horizon 5, players can explore the vibrant and ever evolving open-world landscapes of Mexico with limitless driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars. Lead breathtaking expeditions across Mexico with its striking contrast and beauty. Discover living deserts, lush jungles, historic cities, hidden ruins, pristine beaches, vast canyons, and a towering snow-capped volcano.
Forza Horizon 5 is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game
FORZA MOTORSPORT
BAFTA
Forza Motorsport is about falling in love with cars and building communities by turning gamers into car lovers and car lovers into gamers. Featured Multiplayer invites you to compete in online race weekends with tire and fuel strategy, driver and safety ratings and Forza Race Regulations powered by machine learning.
Forza Motorsport is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Multiplayer
GENSHIN IMPACT
BAFTA
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world adventure RPG that brings players to the visually stunning world of Teyvat. The player takes on the role of the mysterious "Traveler," who sets off on a journey to discover the fate of their lost sibling. Starting from Version 4.0, the fifth of the seven nations, Fontaine, is open for exploration. Fontaine is a hub of culture, art and technology, where loads of new adventures, gameplay, stories, and playable characters unfold.
Genshin Impact is available on Android, iOS, PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Longlist category: Evolving Game
GOODBYE VOLCANO HIGH
BAFTA
In this narrative adventure, we follow Fang (they/them) as they navigate the trials of senior year while also navigating the extinction-level event that may be headed their way. Players go through the bittersweet experience of Fang and their friends finding love and joy despite the potential end of the world looming around the corner.
Goodbye Volcano High is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment
HI-FI RUSH
BAFTA
In Hi-Fi RUSH, the entire world moves to the beat. Everything from the trees swaying in the environment to each hit landed during combat auto-syncs to the game’s music with stellar animations. The player takes on the role of Chai, a free-spirited slacker with rockstar ambitions. During a technological procedure to receive a robotic arm, he finds an unexpected “bonus” when his music player is fused within his power unit.
HI-FI RUSH is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Family, Music, New Intellectual Property
HOGWARTS LEGACY
BAFTA
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you can take control of the action and be at the centre of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.
Hogwarts Legacy is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Best Game, Family, Game Design, Music, Narrative, Technical Achievement
HORIZON CALL OF THE MOUNTAIN
BAFTA
Experience the majestic world of Horizon like never before in this new adventure for PlayStation®VR2. The stunning visuals and innovative features of the new PS VR2 Sense controllers fully immerse you into the world of Horizon for an experience like no other.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is available on PSVR2
Longlist category: Technical Achievement
JUSANT
BAFTA
Jusant is a brand-new action-puzzle climbing game and a meditative journey to the top of a tall tower. Challenge yourself at your own pace, explore different paths, and unravel the secrets from a bygone civilization.
Jusant is available on PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment, New Intellectual Property
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM
BAFTA
Embark on a perilous quest to find the missing princess and unravel the truth behind a cataclysmic event that has sent the kingdom into turmoil. You’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available on Switch
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Best Game, Game Design, Music, Narrative, Technical Achievement
LEGO 2K DRIVE
BAFTA
LEGO 2K Drive is the ultimate driving adventure game. Players can build unique vehicles with a diverse customization system and choose how they want to play, with unique biomes full of racing, mini-games, challenges, collectibles and more.
LEGO 2K Drive is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Family, Multiplayer
LIES OF P
BAFTA
Lie or Die… Inspired by the familiar story of Pinocchio, Lies of P is an action Souls-like game set in the dark, Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat. Once a beautiful city, Krat has become a living nightmare as deadly puppets run amok and a plague sweeps the land. Play as P, a puppet who must fight his way through the city on his unrelenting journey to find Geppetto and finally become human.
Lies of P is available on Mac, PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: New Intellectual Property
LORDS OF THE FALLEN
BAFTA
A vast world awaits in the dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. After an age of the cruellest tyranny, the demon God, Adyr, was defeated by mankind’s greatest heroes - the Judges. But gods do not fall forever. And so was formed the Hallowed Sentinels, to stand vigil for signs of his return. This holy brotherhood erected magnificent beacons throughout the Kingdom, to repress any lasting remnant of Adyr’s malignance, as his colossal corpse rotted underground.
Lords of the Fallen is available on PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Debut Game
THE MAKING OF KARATEKA
BAFTA
The Making of Karateka is an interactive documentary that tells the story of the creation of the 1984 game Karateka, by Jordan Mechner. Karateka was a landmark game that innovated in many respects, bringing together artful cut scenes, an original soundtrack, rotoscoped lifelike animation, and more to create a truly cinematic experience on the computer screen.
The Making of Karateka is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment
MARIO KART 8 DELUXE
BAFTA
Whether you’re racing your family on the big screen in your living room, playing in the park, or visiting a friend’s place, Nintendo Switch lets you play Mario Kart any way you like! Up to eight players can connect for local multiplayer fun via Wireless Play. If you're playing in TV mode or tabletop mode, up to four players can enjoy split-screen multiplayer!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available on Switch
Longlist category: Evolving Game
MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN 2
BAFTA
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is available on Playstation 5
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Best Game, Game Design, Music, Technical Achievement, Performer in a Leading Role (Nadji Jeter as Miles Morales, Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker), Performer in a Supporting Role (Tony Todd as Venom)
MORTAL KOMBAT 1
BAFTA
Mortal Kombat's genre-defining story mode kontinues. Reflecting Fire God Liu Kang's vision of perfection, Mortal Kombat 1's brand new universe is familiar, yet radically altered. And potentially, more dangerous than ever. Discover the forces set to undermine Liu Kang's New Era.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available on PC, Playstation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Multiplayer
NO MAN'S SKY
BAFTA
Originally released in 2016, No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe. A live service game, No Man’s Sky receives major content and feature updates every 6-8 weeks on average.
No Man’s Sky is available on Android, iOS, PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game
PARTY ANIMALS
BAFTA
Party Animals is a multiplayer, physics-based brawler party game where players play as cute animals including puppies, kittens, ducks, bunnies, and even unicorns. Players can punch, toss, jump, kick, and headbutt each other across multiple game modes.
Party Animals is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Multiplayer
PLANET OF LANA
BAFTA
Planet of Lana is a side-scrolling cinematic puzzle adventure where you play as the 11 year old girl Lana. Together with your cute creature companion Mui you embark on an epic journey to rescue your sister that's been taken away by an invading robot army.
Planet of Lana is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Debut Game
POWERWASH SIMULATOR
BAFTA
POWERWASH SIMULATOR lets players wash away their worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Players can build their very own power washing business and blast away every speck of dirt and grime that they can find. With a unique take on the simulation genre, POWERWASH SIMULATOR focuses on player relaxation and escapism.
POWERWASH SIMULATOR is available on Meta Quest, PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game
SEA OF STARS
BAFTA
Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.
Sea of Stars is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: New Intellectual Property
SEA OF THIEVES
BAFTA
Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to carve your own legends across the sea. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world however you choose. Whether you’re adventuring in a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter crews of other players – but will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond?
Sea of Thieves is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Evolving Game
SONIC SUPERSTARS
BAFTA
Sonic Superstars is an all-new take on traditional Sonic high-speed action platforming and side-scrolling, presented in a 2.5D perspective. The game is rendered in 3D although movement takes place across a 2D plane.
Sonic Superstars is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Family
STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR
BAFTA
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the events of Jedi: Fallen Order and follows the continuing adventures of the most wanted Jedi in the galaxy, Cal Kestis. With his trusty droid BD-1 by his side, Cal confronts new enemies and reconnects with old friends as a powerful ancient threat to the galaxy is revealed.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available on PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Animation, Audio Achievement, Best Game, Music, Narrative, Performer in a Leading Role (Cameron Monaghan as Cal Kestis), Performer in a Supporting Role (Debra Wilson as Cere Junda)
STARFIELD
BAFTA
In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. Venture through space and explore more than 1000 planets. Pilot and command the ship of your dreams. Build outposts and hire a crew. A new story or experience is always waiting to be discovered.
Starfield is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: Narrative, New Intellectual Property, Technical Achievement
STRAY GODS: THE ROLEPLAYING MUSICAL
BAFTA
In a modern fantasy world, college dropout Grace is granted the power of a Muse - power she’ll need to find out the truth behind her predecessor’s death before time runs out. You’ll decide who Grace allies with, who she can trust, and who may betray her in this beautifully hand-illustrated roleplaying musical. Charm, negotiate, or strong-arm your way through their world, playing through original, fully interactive musical numbers.
Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Debut Game
SUPER MARIO BROS. WONDER
BAFTA
Classic Mario side-scrolling gameplay is turned on its head with the addition of Wonder Flowers! These game-changing items trigger spectacular moments you have to see to believe. Witness pipes coming alive, wreak havoc as a giant spiky ball, and see even more unexpected events called Wonder Effects.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is available on Switch
Longlist category: Animation, Artistic Achievement, Best Game, Family, Game Design, Multiplayer
TCHIA
BAFTA
Tchia is an adventure platformer title that takes place on an island heavily inspired by New Caledonia, the homeland of developer Awaceb's co-founders. Players fill the shoes of a girl named Tchia who sets out on a grand quest after her father is abducted by the tyrant Meavora. Adventuring across her island home, players will experience the culture and customs of New Caledonia as they meet locals and complete quests.
Tchia is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment
TERRA NIL
BAFTA
Terra Nil is a game about transforming a barren, lifeless landscape into a thriving, vibrant ecosystem. Turn dead soil into fertile grassland, clean polluted oceans, plant sprawling forests, and create the ideal habitat for animals to call home. Then recycle your buildings and leave no trace that you were there.
Terra Nil is available on Android, iOS, Mac, PC
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment
THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE
BAFTA
Players are invited to experience the mad and macabre for themselves in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Take on the role of one of the notorious Slaughter family, or their victims, in this third-person asymmetrical horror experience based on the groundbreaking and iconic 1974 horror film.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: British Game
THIRSTY SUITORS
BAFTA
Thirsty Suitors is a game about culture, relationships, family pressures, and expressing oneself. Can Jala handle her demanding parents, reconcile with her exes, and mend broken friendships in time for her sister’s wedding? Will she be ready for the impending visit of Paati, the family’s terrifying and judgmental matriarch?
Thirsty Suitors is available on PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Game Beyond Entertainment
TRON: IDENTITY
BAFTA
Something has been taken. Enter a new Grid and forge alliances via visual novel gameplay, uncovering truths through Identity Disc puzzles. Make critical decisions and plot your own course in a world without a creator.
Tron: Identity is available on Mac, PC, Switch
Longlist category: British Game
VENBA
BAFTA
Venba is a narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom, who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Players will cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations and explore in this story about family, love, loss and more.
Venba is available on PC, Playstation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Longlist category: Debut Game, Game Beyond Entertainment
VIEWFINDER
BAFTA
Viewfinder is a first person puzzle adventure game in which you redefine reality with the power of pictures: Challenge perception, solve puzzles, explore your surroundings and reshape the world around you with an instant camera and by bringing photographs, paintings, sketches, screenshots and postcards to life. And don't worry about making mistakes, Viewfinder's rewind time feature encourages you to experiment and to explore, as there's more than one way to solve the puzzles.
Viewfinder is available on PC, Playstation 5
Longlist category: British Game, Debut Game, Game Beyond Entertainment, Game Design, New Intellectual Property, Technical Achievement
WARHAMMER AGE OF SIGMAR: REALMS OF RUIN
BAFTA
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a real-time strategy set in Games Workshop’s expansive fantasy universe. Featuring four factions inspired by their tabletop counterparts, the game features a cinematic, story-driven campaign, the repeatable singleplayer Conquest Mode and 1v1 and 2v2 cross-platform online multiplayer, alongside Map Editor, Army Livery and Scene Editor.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is available on PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Longlist category: British Game
How it works
This list has been chosen by over 1,200 experienced games industry professionals – all members of BAFTA, the arts charity for film, games and television.
It is also the longlist for the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards, the industry’s most prestigious awards that celebrate the best games of the year, and the people who make them.
257 games were considered by BAFTA members this year, all released between 10 December 2022 and 24 November 2023. Each game is now the running for at least one BAFTA nomination across 17 competitive categories. BAFTA members will begin voting for the nominations in Best Game and British Game categories in January 2024, with specialist BAFTA juries voting for the others. The nominations will be announced on Thursday 7 March 2024. Following the nominations, BAFTA’s games members will vote for the winners in Best Game and British Game, and juries will vote for the winners in all other categories.
The winners will be announced at the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards on Thursday 11 April. BAFTA’s annual Awards is one of the biggest events in the international games calendar, attended by the industry and reaching an audience of millions online.
The press release announcing the longlist is available here.
A note on remakes / remasters of games: remasters of games originally released outside of the eligibility period are not eligible for consideration; full remakes are eligible in the Technical Achievement category only.
