The BAFTA Games Awards has revised its voting criteria and entry fee structure as it begins accepting submissions for the 2027 event
The submission period for the 2027 BAFTA Games Awards is now underway, with modifications to entry rules, fee adjustments, and an updated position on AI.
Each year, the BAFTA Games Committee assesses policies related to eligibility, voting, and promotional activities. The current guidelines now clearly outline how AI is factored into the evaluation process:
The Awards aim to celebrate individuals for their exceptional human achievements in envisioning and delivering artistic projects, irrespective of the utilized tools. BAFTA holds the final authority over all category qualifications and might ask for extra details about any submission, which may cover:
- Details supporting credits
- Information highlighting human creativity and development
The entry fee structure has been revised as follows:
- The Early Entry/Month of Release Discount, previously a 50% reduction, has been eliminated
- A 25% entry fee discount is now available for qualifying independent and small developers
- A new base entry fee has been established, allowing submissions to up to four categories of choice, including automatic entry into Best Game, British Game, Performer in a Leading Role, and Performer in a Supporting Role when applicable
- A reduced single-entry fee is now introduced specifically for the Evolving Game category, acknowledging that entries in this category may only be submitted once
- Fees for entries exceeding those covered by the base entry fee have been introduced
For the Evolving Game category, voting rounds will now involve the entire membership, which comprises over 1,700 professionals and sector-specific juries. Nominations and winners will be decided through this inclusive process.
BAFTA stated that this shift will "allow a wider spectrum of industry expertise and player feedback, ensuring the category remains pertinent, comprehensive, and representative of the contemporary gaming scene."
Games released from November 15, 2025, to November 19, 2026, are eligible for the 2027 awards.
The entry deadline for games launched between November 15, 2025, and July 31, 2026, is September 18. For those released from August 1 to November 19, 2026, the deadline is November 6.
The longlist will be unveiled on December 8, 2026, and nominations will be disclosed on March 11, 2027.
The 2027 BAFTA Games Awards ceremony will occur in London on April 14, 2027.
In the preceding year, Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received three BAFTAs, including accolades for Best Game and Debut Game.