The BAFTA Games Awards 2026 nominations have ignited excitement across the gaming world, celebrating an exceptional year of creative achievement and technical innovation. Leading the charge are two highly anticipated titles: and . Sandfall Interactive’s debut RPG, Clair Obscur, has garnered an impressive 12 nominations, making it one of the most recognized games in BAFTA history, especially notable for a first-time studio. Close behind, the intriguing superhero workplace comedy Dispatch, from AdHoc Studio, secured nine nominations, highlighting its unique narrative and strong performances. These two titles are set to dominate the ceremony, vying for top honors across numerous categories alongside other celebrated games. The awards will crown their champions on April 17, 2026, in London, promising a memorable night for the industry.
BAFTA Games Awards 2026 Nominees
ANIMATION
The Animation category celebrates the artistry and technical skill involved in bringing virtual worlds and characters to life. This year’s nominees showcase a diverse range of visual styles and fluid motion, from detailed character animations to breathtaking environmental dynamics. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch aren’t directly listed here, other strong contenders demonstrate the high standards of visual fidelity in modern gaming. Titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and Hades II are recognized for their outstanding contributions to animated storytelling and player immersion, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in interactive visuals.
- BATTLEFIELD 6 Development Team – Battlefield Studios/Electronic Arts
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Hideo Kojima, Masaaki Kawata, Laurie Jezequel – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- DISPATCH Development Team – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Development Team – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- HADES II Craig Harris, Nikita Taranduke, Jen Zee – Supergiant Games/Supergiant Games
- HOLLOW KNIGHT: SILKSONG Development Team – Team Cherry/Team Cherry
ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT
This category acknowledges games that truly excel in visual direction, aesthetics, and overall artistic vision, crafting unforgettable experiences through their distinct art styles. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out with its nomination, recognized for its unique fantasy-inspired world and character designs that have captivated audiences since its reveal. The game’s artistic brilliance contributes significantly to its immersive atmosphere and narrative depth. Other nominees, including Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Dispatch, also demonstrate exceptional creative execution, from their distinctive visual palettes to innovative environmental storytelling, proving that artistic excellence remains a cornerstone of impactful game development.
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Development Team – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Hideo Kojima, Yoji Shinkawa, Megan Tuckwell – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- DISPATCH Derek Stratton – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Development Team – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- HOLLOW KNIGHT: SILKSONG Development Team – Team Cherry/Team Cherry
- SOUTH OF MIDNIGHT Development Team – Compulsion Games/Xbox Game Studios
AUDIO ACHIEVEMENT
The Audio Achievement category honors games that deliver exceptional sound design, captivating scores, and immersive audio landscapes that elevate the player’s experience. Both Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch have earned nominations here, indicating their strong commitment to sonic excellence. Clair Obscur is praised for its intricate soundscape that complements its epic journey, while Dispatch utilizes sound effectively to enhance its unique superhero workplace comedy premise. Alongside these, titles such as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also showcase masterful use of audio to build atmosphere, convey emotion, and provide crucial gameplay cues.
- ARC RAIDERS Bence Pajor, Olof Strömqvist, Simon Svanbäck – Embark Studios/Embark Studios
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Development Team – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Hideo Kojima, Hiroyuki Nakayama – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- DISPATCH Development Team – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Development Team – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE Development Team – MachineGames/Bethesda
BEST GAME
The coveted Best Game award represents the pinnacle of recognition at the BAFTA Games Awards, celebrating the title that embodies overall excellence across all aspects of design, execution, and impact. Unsurprisingly, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are both strong contenders in this premier category, highlighting their widespread critical acclaim and audience appreciation. Clair Obscur‘s ambitious scope and innovative RPG mechanics make it a formidable nominee, while Dispatch‘s distinctive storytelling and character-driven approach offer a fresh perspective. They face stiff competition from other highly praised titles like Ghost of Yōtei and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, setting the stage for a thrilling announcement.
- ARC RAIDERS Aleksander Grøndal, Stefan Strandberg, Virgil Watkins – Embark Studios/Embark Studios
- BLUE PRINCE Development Team – Dogubomb/Raw Fury
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Development Team – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- DISPATCH Nick Herman, Dennis Lenart, Pierre Shorette – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Development Team – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE Development Team – MachineGames/Bethesda
BRITISH GAME
The British Game category shines a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of developers based in the UK, celebrating their talent and influence on the global games industry. While neither Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 nor Dispatch are British productions, this category features a strong lineup of homegrown talent. Games like Atomfall from Rebellion and PowerWash Simulator 2 by FuturLab demonstrate the breadth and creativity of British studios, ranging from expansive new adventures to charming, innovative experiences. The nominations highlight the vibrant and diverse game development landscape within the United Kingdom, reaffirming its significant role in producing high-quality interactive entertainment.
- ATOMFALL Development Team – Rebellion/Rebellion
- CITIZEN SLEEPER 2: STARWARD VECTOR Gareth Damian Martin, Guillaume Singelin, Amos Roddy – Jump Over the Age/Fellow Traveller
- MAFIA: THE OLD COUNTRY Development Team – Hangar 13/2K
- MONUMENT VALLEY 3 Development Team – ustwo games/ustwo games
- POWERWASH SIMULATOR 2 Development Team – FuturLab/FuturLab
- TWO POINT MUSEUM Development Team – Two Point Studios/SEGA
DEBUT GAME
The Debut Game category is particularly exciting as it recognizes the remarkable achievements of new studios and their first major titles, often showcasing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s nomination here is historic, making it the most nominated debut game ever at the BAFTAs, a testament to Sandfall Interactive’s incredible first outing. Dispatch also earns a well-deserved nod, marking AdHoc Studio’s impressive entrance into the industry. Both games exemplify the passion and vision of emerging talent, proving that new voices can deliver experiences that rival those from established developers. This category often previews the industry’s future leaders.
- BLUE PRINCE Development Team – Dogubomb/Raw Fury
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Development Team – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- CONSUME ME Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson – Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet W-P, Ken & Snyder/ Hexecutable LLC
- DESPELOTE Development Team – Julián Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena/Panic
- DISPATCH Nick Herman, Dennis Lenart, Pierre Shorette – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- THE MIDNIGHT WALK Development Team – MoonHood/Fast Travel Games
EVOLVING GAME
The Evolving Game category celebrates titles that continuously grow and adapt post-launch, maintaining player engagement through new content, features, and community interaction. This award highlights the dedication of development teams to nurture their games as ongoing experiences. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are not typically considered “evolving games” in the live-service sense, the category features stalwarts like Helldivers 2 and Fallout 76, recognized for their consistent updates and responsive development. These nominations underscore the increasing importance of long-term support and community building in today’s dynamic gaming landscape, ensuring games remain fresh and relevant for years.
- FALLOUT 76 Development Team – Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda
- HELLDIVERS 2 Development Team – Arrowhead Game Studios/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- HITMAN WORLD OF ASSASSINATION Development Team – IO Interactive/IO Interactive
- NO MAN’S SKY Development Team – Hello Games/Hello Games
- VAMPIRE SURVIVORS Development Team – poncle/poncle
- WARHAMMER 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2 Dmitry Grigorenko, Oliver Hollis-Leick, Anatolii Koruka – Saber Interactive/Focus Entertainment Publishing
FAMILY
The Family category recognizes games that provide inclusive, enjoyable, and accessible experiences for players of all ages, often promoting creativity, cooperation, and positive values. These titles are designed to be played and cherished by families together, offering wholesome entertainment. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch cater to more mature audiences, this category showcases a delightful selection of games that exemplify family-friendly fun. Nominees such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World highlight iconic franchises delivering engaging content, alongside charming new entries like PowerWash Simulator 2, ensuring there’s something for every household to enjoy collaboratively.
- DONKEY KONG BANANZA Development Team – Nintendo EPD/Nintendo
- IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? Ausiàs Dalmau, Sergi Pérez – Poti Poti/Wholesome Games Presents
- LEGO PARTY! Development Team – SMG Studio/Fictions
- MARIO KART WORLD Development Team – Nintendo/Nintendo
- POWERWASH SIMULATOR 2 Development Team – FuturLab/FuturLab
- TWO POINT MUSEUM Development Team – Two Point Studios/SEGA
GAME BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT
This unique category honors games that push boundaries beyond traditional entertainment, delivering impactful messages, fostering empathy, or contributing positively to social change and understanding. These titles often tackle complex themes, offer educational insights, or provoke thoughtful reflection through interactive experiences. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are primarily entertainment-focused, the nominees in this category demonstrate the power of games as a medium for artistic expression and social commentary. The Alters and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, for instance, exemplify how interactive narratives can explore profound philosophical or societal questions, offering players meaningful and thought-provoking engagements beyond pure amusement.
- THE ALTERS Development Team – 11 bit studios/11 bit studios
- AND ROGER Yona, Yasuhiro Nakashima – TearyHand Studio/Kodansha
- CITIZEN SLEEPER 2: STARWARD VECTOR Gareth Damian Martin, Guillaume Singelin, Amos Roddy – Jump Over the Age/Fellow Traveller
- CONSUME ME Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson – Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet W-P, Ken & Snyder/ Hexecutable LLC
- DESPELOTE Julian Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena, Gabe Cuzzillo – Julián Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena/Panic
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: HEART OF CHORNOBYL Development Team – GSC Game World/GSC Game World
GAME DESIGN
The Game Design category recognizes excellence in a game’s core mechanics, systems, and overall player experience, evaluating how effectively gameplay elements are crafted to be engaging, innovative, and coherent. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earns a nomination for its innovative approach to RPG combat and exploration, showcasing Sandfall Interactive’s thoughtful design choices. Its mechanics contribute significantly to its unique identity and player enjoyment. Other nominees like Ghost of Yōtei and Hades II also demonstrate superior design principles, from intricate level layouts to satisfying combat loops, proving that well-executed game design is crucial for creating truly memorable and compelling interactive experiences.
- BALL X PIT Kenny Sun – Kenny Sun & Friends/Devolver Digital
- BLUE PRINCE Tonda Ros – Dogubomb/Raw Fury
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Development Team – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Development Team – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- HADES II Amir Rao, Gavin Simon, Greg Kasavin – Supergiant Games/Supergiant Games
- SPLIT FICTION Development Team – Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts
MULTIPLAYER
The Multiplayer category celebrates games that offer exceptional shared experiences, fostering interaction, competition, or cooperation among multiple players. This award recognizes robust online infrastructure, engaging gameplay modes, and vibrant community features. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are predominantly single-player experiences, this category highlights titles that master the art of collective gaming. Nominees like Arc Raiders and Dune: Awakening exemplify thrilling multiplayer design, while unexpected entries like Elden Ring Nightreign showcase how beloved single-player worlds can be adapted for new communal dimensions. These games prove the enduring appeal of social interaction in digital entertainment.
- ARC RAIDERS Aleksander Grøndal, Virgil Watkins – Embark Studios/Embark Studios
- DUNE: AWAKENING Marcos Pereira, Paul Vallet, Hugo Gonçalves – Funcom/Funcom
- ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN Development Team – FROMSOFTWARE INC./BANDAI NAMCO
- LEGO PARTY! Development Team – SMG Studio/Fictions
- PEAK Development Team – Aggro Crab & Landfall/Aggro Crab & Landfall
- SPLIT FICTION Development Team – Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts
MUSIC
The Music category acknowledges the profound impact of original soundtracks, scores, and licensed music in shaping a game’s emotional resonance and overall atmosphere. Both Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are nominated, underscoring their captivating auditory experiences. Clair Obscur, with contributions from Lorien Testard and Alice Duport-Percier, is celebrated for its evocative score that immerses players in its fantastical world. Dispatch also earns recognition for its unique musical style, enhancing its comedic and dramatic moments. Alongside these, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also present outstanding musical compositions that become integral to their respective narratives.
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Hideo Kojima, Woodkid, Ludvig Forssell – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- DISPATCH Andrew Arcadi, Skyler Barto – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Toma Otowa, Peter Scaturro, Keith Leary – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- HOLLOW KNIGHT: SILKSONG Christopher Larkin – Team Cherry/Team Cherry
- INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE Gordy Haab, Pete Ward, Christoffer Larsson – MachineGames/Bethesda
NARRATIVE
The Narrative category celebrates games with exceptional storytelling, character development, and engaging plotlines that draw players deep into their worlds. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 receives a strong nomination for its intricate and compelling narrative, crafted by Guillaume Broche and Jennifer Svedberg-Yen. Its epic scope and rich lore have been praised for creating an immersive story that resonates with players. Other nominees, including Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, also demonstrate masterful storytelling, showcasing diverse approaches to interactive narrative. This category highlights the medium’s capacity to deliver deeply personal and epic tales.
- THE ALTERS Tomasz Kisilewicz, Katarzyna Tybinka – 11 bit studios/11 bit studios
- BLUE PRINCE Tonda Ros – Dogubomb/Raw Fury
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Guillaume Broche, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Hideo Kojima, Kenji Yano, Ray Khalastchi – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE Development Team – MachineGames/Bethesda
- KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE II Development Team – Warhorse Studios/Deep Silver
NEW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
This category honors games that introduce completely original concepts, worlds, and characters, demonstrating creativity and daring in establishing fresh franchises. Both Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are strong contenders, proving the power of new ideas in a competitive industry. Clair Obscur is lauded for building an entirely new fantastical universe, while Dispatch delivers a unique take on the superhero genre. These nominations underscore the industry’s continuous evolution and the value of developers willing to take risks on innovative projects. Alongside them, titles like The Alters and Arc Raiders also showcase bold new visions, expanding the horizons of interactive entertainment.
- THE ALTERS Development Team – 11 bit studios/11 bit studios
- ARC RAIDERS Aleksander Grøndal, Stefan Strandberg, Robert Sammelin – Embark Studios/Embark Studios
- CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 Development Team – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- DISPATCH Pierre Shorette, Dennis Lenart, Nick Herman – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- SOUTH OF MIDNIGHT Development Team – Compulsion Games/Xbox Game Studios
- SPLIT FICTION Development Team – Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts
PERFORMER IN A LEADING ROLE
This category recognizes the outstanding vocal and motion capture performances that bring game protagonists to life, shaping the player’s connection to the narrative. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 boasts two nominees: Ben Starr as Verso and Jennifer English as Maelle, highlighting their powerful portrayals that drive the game’s emotional core. They face strong competition from Aaron Paul, nominated for his role as Robert Robertson in Dispatch, whose performance anchors the game’s unique tone. Other notable nominations include Erika Ishii’s portrayal of Atsu in Ghost of Yōtei and Troy Baker’s charismatic turn as Indiana Jones, showcasing a wealth of talent in leading roles.
- AARON PAUL as Robert Robertson in Dispatch – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- BEN STARR as Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- ERIKA ISHII as Atsu in Ghost Of Yōtei – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- JENNIFER ENGLISH as Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- TOM MCKAY as Henry Of Skalitz in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – Warhorse Studios/Deep Silver
- TROY BAKER as Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle -MachineGames/Bethesda
PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
The Supporting Role category celebrates the impactful performances of actors who enhance the game’s narrative and primary characters, often stealing scenes with memorable portrayals. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 excels here with two nominations: Charlie Cox as Gustave and Kirsty Rider as Lune, whose contributions enrich the game’s ensemble. Jeffrey Wright also receives a nod for his role as Chase in Dispatch, showcasing his dramatic range within the superhero workplace setting. Troy Baker’s dual nomination, appearing also in this category for his role as Higgs in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, further exemplifies his versatility and significant presence in the industry.
- ALIX WILTON REGAN as Lea Florence Monad in Lies Of P: Overture – NEOWIZ/NEOWIZ
- CHARLIE COX as Gustave in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- JANE PERRY as Lia Cain in Dead Take – Surgent Studios/Pocketpair Publishing
- JEFFREY WRIGHT as Chase in Dispatch – AdHoc Studio/AdHoc Studio
- KIRSTY RIDER as Lune in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall Interactive/Kepler Interactive
- TROY BAKER as Higgs in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
This category acknowledges the groundbreaking engineering and technological innovations that power exceptional gaming experiences, from intricate physics engines to seamless world rendering. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch are recognized for their creative strengths, other titles push the boundaries of technical prowess. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei stand out for their complex technical foundations, enabling breathtaking visuals and dynamic gameplay environments. Similarly, Arc Raiders and Doom: The Dark Ages demonstrate impressive technical execution in areas like online stability and graphical optimization, ensuring smooth and immersive player interactions across various platforms.
- ARC RAIDERS Robert Träffe, Martin Singh-Blom – Embark Studios/Embark Studios
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Hideo Kojima, Akio Sakamoto, Neil Johnson – Kojima Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- DOOM: THE DARK AGES Development Team – id Software/Bethesda
- GHOST OF YŌTEI Development Team – Sucker Punch Productions/Sony Interactive Entertainment
- INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE Development Team – MachineGames/Bethesda
- SPLIT FICTION Development Team – Hazelight Studios/Electronic Arts
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