- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the BAFTA Games Awards 2026 with 12 nominations
- Dispatch, Ghost of Yōtei, and Death Stranding 2 follow with multiple nominations
- Many actors received their first BAFTA nominations in performance categories
- The awards ceremony will take place in London on April 17, 2026
The nominees for the BAFTA Games Awards 2026 have officially been announced, highlighting some of the most celebrated titles released over the past year. A total of 42 games have earned nominations across 17 categories, showcasing a wide range of creative achievements from both major studios and independent developers.
Leading this year’s nominations is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the visually striking RPG from Sandfall Interactive that has already captured the attention of players and critics alike. The game has secured 12 nominations, more than any other title this year, placing it firmly at the center of the awards conversation.
Close behind are several high profile releases including Dispatch, Ghost of Yōtei, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, each receiving multiple nominations across key categories.
The winners will be revealed at the upcoming ceremony in London on April 17, where the global gaming industry will gather to celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominates with 12 nominations
Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has emerged as the most nominated game at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards, securing a remarkable 12 nominations across the ceremony’s 17 categories.
The game has been recognized in major categories such as Best Game, Debut Game, Narrative, and Game Design. Its strong showing reflects the widespread praise it has received for its artistic direction, storytelling, and distinctive gameplay style.
Critics have often highlighted the game’s visual presentation and atmospheric worldbuilding as standout elements. The RPG’s success in the nominations suggests that BAFTA voters were equally impressed by the project’s ambition and execution.
For Sandfall Interactive, the recognition marks a significant milestone, especially considering the studio is relatively new within the industry.
Dispatch, Ghost of Yōtei and Death Stranding 2 follow closely behind
While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the nominations list, several other major titles are also competing strongly this year.
AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch secured nine nominations. The game blends superhero storytelling with workplace comedy, offering a unique premise that resonated with players and critics. Interestingly, despite its popularity, the title was notably absent from last year’s Game Awards lineup, making its strong showing at BAFTA particularly noteworthy.
Next is Ghost of Yōtei, which received eight nominations. The game has been widely praised for its cinematic presentation and immersive gameplay, continuing the legacy of large scale narrative driven action titles.
Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach earned seven nominations. As one of the most anticipated sequels in recent years, the game continues the ambitious storytelling style and experimental design that made its predecessor so distinctive.
Other titles with strong representation include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which received six nominations, and Arc Raiders, with five.
Performance categories highlight new talent
This year’s BAFTA nominations also shine a spotlight on voice and performance talent within the gaming industry.
Nine out of the twelve nominees in the performance categories are receiving their first BAFTA nominations. Among them are Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, Jennifer English, and Kirsty Rider for their work in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Actors Aaron Paul and Jeffrey Wright were recognized for their performances in Dispatch, while Erika Ishii earned a nomination for Ghost of Yōtei. Additional nominees include Tom McKay for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Alix Wilton Regan for Lies of P: Overture.
The strong presence of first time nominees reflects the expanding talent pool within the gaming industry, where performance capture and voice acting continue to play a growing role in storytelling.
A diverse year for the games industry
Beyond the headline contenders, the nominations list highlights a diverse range of games representing different genres, styles, and studio sizes.
In total, 17 studios received their first BAFTA nominations this year, including six titles nominated in the Debut Game category. This demonstrates how newer developers are increasingly making their mark alongside long established studios.
Other nominated games include Atomfall, Ball x Pit, Battlefield 6, Blue Prince, Donkey Kong Bananza, Elden Ring Nightreign, Hades 2, Helldivers 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Tara Saunders, chair of BAFTA’s Games Committee, praised the nominees for representing the evolving nature of the games industry.
According to Saunders, this year’s lineup reflects a creative landscape where established studios and independent teams continue to push boundaries in craft, innovation, and storytelling.
When will the BAFTA Games Awards 2026 take place
The 22nd BAFTA Games Awards ceremony will take place on April 17, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre in London.
The event is expected to bring together developers, performers, and industry professionals to celebrate the year’s best games. Fans around the world will also be able to watch the ceremony live through BAFTA’s official broadcast.
With several highly acclaimed titles competing across multiple categories, this year’s awards are shaping up to be one of the most competitive ceremonies in recent memory.
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