The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has revealed the winners of the 2025 Young Game Designers competition

Last week, BAFTA revealed the winners of the 2025 Young Game Designers awards in a digital event led by Inel Tomlinson. The ceremony marked the 15th anniversary of the event, featuring 52 finalists vying for two top honors: the Game Concept Award and the Game Making Award.

This year, the winners, aged 12 to 18, showed notable talent. The youngest laureate, Thiago van Vlerken Rene, aged 13, secured the Game Making Award for his creation, Sir Floofington, set in a procedurally generated castle.

In the category of 12 to 14-year-olds, Tanisi Rawat, 14, was awarded the Game Concept Award for The Undead. This non-linear psychological horror delves into themes of solitude and loneliness, underscoring "the prevalence of solace and human kindness in a society unbound by proper law," as described by Rawat.

For competitors aged 15 to 18, Luke Rayfield took home the Game Making Award with his entry, Furniture Fu, which uniquely blends martial arts with interior design.

Isabelle Taylor and Emily Sun were recognized with the Game Concept Award for their project, Mikka Bouzu. The game portrays a designer "who has lost her passion for art" and is targeted at players navigating the challenging transition from youth to adulthood, along with the burnout it may entail.

The winning games are part of the Power Up experience, currently on display at the Science Museum in London, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford. Additionally, they will be showcased at 195 Piccadilly on June 29, 2025.

Tim Hunter, BAFTA’s executive director of learning, inclusion, policy, and membership, expressed: "BAFTA remains dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, and this year's Young Game Designers have proven to be outstanding." He applauded the remarkable creativity and inventiveness displayed by the winners and finalists, providing significant insights into the perspectives of the younger generation.

Hunter added: "Since our inception of Young Game Designers in 2010, both educational institutions and society at large are increasingly acknowledging the artistry inherent in game-making and its potential as a medium for young people to articulate their thoughts and tackle profound questions in life.

BAFTA continues to advocate for the cultural impact of games and works tirelessly to make the gaming industry inclusive for everyone. I eagerly anticipate our BAFTA Young Game Designers Showcase and am excited to witness the future accomplishments of our brilliant winners and finalists."