BAFTA celebrated the game designers of the future once again at its annual Young Game Designers (YGD) Awards on 7 July. The winners included seven aspiring game creators, aged between 10 and 18, and an inspirational teacher.

In early July, BAFTA sponsored the Changemakers strand at the Children’s Media Conference (CMC), the only UK event for those involved in developing, producing and distributing content to children on all platforms. Breakthrough Brit and games illustrator Anna Hollinrake was one of two BAFTA new and emerging talent representatives at the event. Here she discusses her current project, finding harmony in the workplace – a topic she addressed at CMC – and her dreams for the future. Words and interview by Chris Schilling

With more than two decades in the business and performances in 180-plus games, actor and voice actor Nolan North is one of the true greats of the games industry. In June, just before this year’s E3, North was presented with a BAFTA Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to performance in games. Words by Toby Weidmann.

BAFTA recently asked its games members to look into their crystal balls and share their predictions for the immediate future of the industry. Responses were varied, but one of the most common themes was the emergence and acceptance of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance player experiences. Here, Dave Ranyard, founder of Dream Reality Interactive, member of BAFTA’s Games Committee and deputy chair of BAFTA’s Immersive Entertainment Advisory Group, offers his thoughts on where these sister technologies may take us in the not too distant future... Words by Dave Ranyard.