The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held its Game Awards 2023. Elden Ring was on the verge of becoming the first game to win GOTY at all five major awards shows, having been named the year's best game at the previous four. But Vampire Survivors stood in its way.

 

Although many anticipated otherwise, the GOTY went to Poncle's Vampire Survivors. Vampire Survivors was nominated in five categories and was named the winner in two: Best Game, which honors the best game of the year, and Game Design.

 

 

All eyes were on Elden Ring, which was named the GOTY in Golden Joystick Award, The Game Award, D.I.C.E. Award, and the Developer’s Choice Award. Not since Geoff Keighley, host of the Spike Video Game Awards, launched The Game Awards in 2014 has a game won all five of the major gaming awards shows' Game of the Year honors.

 

From 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Fallout 4, Overwatch, Dark Souls 3, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Sekiro, God of War, Fortnite, Sekiro, Biohazard RE:2, Hades, The Last of Us Part 2, Biohazard Village, etc. were named GOTY up to now.

 

Among the many GOTY games, the title that got closest to sweeping the awards was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild of Nintendo. While the game was well-received by developers and players alike, it had to settle for Game of the Year at four awards shows, as What Remains of Edith Finch won BAFTA Best Game for its depth of story and direction. This year, Elden Ring also failed to set a new record with BAFTA's choices

 

In addition to whether Elden Ring would win, many eyes were on the BAFTA Game Awards with God of War Ragnarok, which was nominated in 15 categories, and Stray, a 9-category nominee.

 

 

The fan-voted EE Game of the Year was won by God of War Ragnarok, which was a favorite to win Best Game alongside Elden Ring. In addition to EE Game of the Year, God of War Ragnarok won six awards on the night, including Animation, Audio Achievement, Music, Lead Actor, and Supporting Actor. Elden Ring was recognized in two categories: Multiplayer and Original Property.

Animation

 

Natural movement through motion capture, along with dynamic action and realistic movement throughout the game beyond event scenes, was one of the biggest selling points of God of War Ragnarok. These realistic and natural animations allowed the developers to better communicate the game's narrative and action elements to fans.

 

- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Infinity Ward / Activision

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Horizon Forbidden West - Guerrilla Games / SIE

- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - TT Games / WBIE

- Sifu - Sloclap

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studio / Annapurna Interactive

 

Evolving Game

 

Final Fantasy XIV has been named the winner of the Evolving Game of the Year award, which recognizes games that keep getting better and better. The game, which has seen high ratings with each expansion, proved itself once again with its latest expansion, "Endwalker", and has continued to delight fans with new patches ever since.

 

- Apex Legends - Respawn / EA

- Dreams - Media Molecule / SIE

- The Elder Scrolls Online - Zenimax Online Studios / Bethesda Softworks

- Final Fantasy XIV Online - CBU3 / Square Enix

- Forza Horizon 5 - Playground Games / Xbox Game Studios

- No Man's Sky - Hello Games

Original Property

 

From Software's new IP takes a classic soulslike game into a massive open world, and has been named best game multiple times at major awards shows. In accepting the award, Hidetaka Miyazaki of From Software said that developing Elden Ring was a very difficult challenge, and thanked the team for their accomplishments and support. He also vowed to continue creating new games that everyone can enjoy.

 

- Citizen Sleeper - Jump Over the Age / Fellow Traveler

- Cult of the Lamb - Massive Monster / Devolver Digital

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- Sifu - Sloclap

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

- Vampire Survivors - Poncle

Audio Achievement

 

Along with the visuals, God of War Ragnarok was also highly praised for its sound. The game's sound did more than just convey what was going on in the game — it also conveyed the emotions and moods of the characters, creating a highly immersive experience.

 

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Horizon Forbidden West - Guerrilla Games / SIE

- Metal: Hellsinger - The Outsiders / Funcom

- A Plague Tale: Requiem - Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

- Tunic - Tunic Team / Finji

Game Design

 

Vampire Survivors is a trendsetter in the genre that went on to become a full-fledged game. Its game design was recognized at the BAFTA Game Awards. Poncle's developers were grateful for the recognition, citing the influence of many industry contacts and the growth of the team.

 

- Cult of the Lamb - Massive Monster / Devolver Digital

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Horizon Forbidden West - Guerrilla Games / SIE

- Tunic - Tunic Team / Finji

- Vampire Survivors - Poncle

British Game

 

"Rollerdrome" depicts a shooter sport utilizing retro-style graphics and roller skates. The team, who said they hadn't prepared for the award by anticipating the Vampire Survivors win, shared their excitement as they shared the stage with ten of their teammates. They also thanked those who saw the potential and supported them, saying they never imagined that ten people could be honored in this way.

 

- Citizen Sleeper - Jump Over the Age / Fellow Traveler

- OlliOlli World - Roll 7 / Private Division

- Rollerdrome - Roll 7 / Private Division

- Total War: Warhammer 3 - Creative Assembly / Sega

- Two Point Campus - Two Point Studios / Sega

- Vampire Survivors - Poncle

Artistic Achievement

 

"Tunic," with its cuddly fox, fairytale-inspired graphics, and action mechanics that are more than they seem. The designers were recognized for their ability to capture the different regions and their respective themes in their own art style. It's a great honor to win this award, especially since there were so many strong candidates.

 

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Immortality - Half Mermaid Productions

- Pentiment - Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios

- A Plague Tale: Requiem - Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment

- Tunic - Tunic Team / Finji

Multiplayer

Unlike some of the other nominees, multiplayer wasn't a core part of Elden Ring. However, they have continued to push their own multiplayer elements, and this win for Multiplayer is a testament to how much fun it is.

 

- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Infinity Ward / Activision

- EA Sports FIFA 23 - EA Vancouver, EA Romania / EA Sports

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- Overwatch 2 - Blizzard Entertainment

- Splatoon 3 - Nintendo

- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge - Tribute Games / DotEmu

 

 

Troy Baker, who voiced many of the game characters on the night, came to BAFTA to present the Narrative Award. Just before he introduced the nominees, Bella Ramsey appeared on the screen, looking for Joel with an urgent message. The actress was performing a scene from her latest game-based drama, The Last of Us.

 

Troy Baker said he was Joel because he voiced the main character in The Last of Us, but Bella Ramsay laughed and said it wasn't the Joel she knew. In the show, Joel is played by Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in Narcos and The Mandalorian.

 

Narrative

 

Sam Barlow has explored player intervention and storytelling beyond the typical FMV in films such as Her Story and Telling Lies. His latest film, Immortality, tells a shocking story with a narrative that intricately connects three films and the real world outside of them. This storytelling and direction helped Immortality beat out the other nominees to be named the eventual winner.

 

- Citizen Sleeper - Jump Over the Age / Fellow Traveler

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Immortality - Half Mermaid Productions

- Pentiment - Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios

- A Plague Tale: Requiem - Asobo Studios / Focus Entertainment

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

 

Performer in a Supporting Role

 

Unlike other gaming awards shows, the BAFTAs, which originated in traditional media such as film and television, split the acting categories into lead and supporting roles. Laya DeLeon Hayes, who plays Angrboda in God of War Ragnarok, was honored in the Supporting Actress category alongside Christopher Judge, who later won the Lead Actor award.

 

- Adam J. Harrington - Sindri (God of War Ragnarok)

- Allison Jaye - Alba (Horizon Forbidden West)

- Charlotta Mohlin - The One (Immortality)

- Danielle Bisutti - Freya (God of War Ragnarok)

- Laya DeLeon Hayes - Angrboda (God of War Ragnarok)

- Ryan Hurst - Thor (God of War Ragnarok)

Music

 

Once again, God of War Ragnarok's name was called in the Music category, which recognizes compelling scores, background music, and more. The acceptance speech thanked the sound team for creating the unique atmosphere of God of War, including Bear McCreary, who was unable to attend.

 

- Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course - Studio MDHR

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- A Plague Tale: Requiem - Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

- Tunic - Tunic Team / Finji

 

 

While recent gaming awards shows have been all about flashy production and exciting interludes, the BAFTAs took time to honor recently deceased industry figures with a piano solo. Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman in numerous games, Eric Baudoin, Bethesda's Fallout designer and writer, Travis Day, a senior designer on Diablo 3, and fantasy star Rieko Kodama were portrayed on screen to accompany the music.

EE Game of the Year

 

Unlike the other categories, the EE Game of the Year is a fan-voted category. God of War: Ragnarok was named in this category, which has always had a different outcome than Best Game. It's a special category, especially since it's chosen by the fans themselves, and both the developers and actors in attendance were on stage to accept the award.

 

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Horizon Forbidden West - Guerrilla Games / SIE

- Immortality - Half Mermaid Productions

- Marvel Snap - Second Dinner / Nuverse

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

Technical Achievement

 

Horizon Forbidden West had great graphics, a variety of combat mechanics, and a lot of engaging elements, but unfortunately, it didn't win any major awards. It was recognized by the BAFTA Game Awards as a winner in the Technical Achievement category for its graphical presentation and the technical achievements that made it one of the best PlayStation 5 games.

 

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Horizon Forbidden West - Guerrilla Games / SIE

- Immortality - Half Mermaid Productions

- The Last of Us Part 1 - Naughty Dog / SIE

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

Family

 

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the latest installment in the Kirby franchise that manages to keep its distinctive sensibilities intact despite the transition to 3D. The game is highly praised for adding a variety of new elements to its signature action elements. It's still a title that the whole family can enjoy, which is why it earned the Family Award.

 

- Disney Dreamlight Valley - Gameloft

- Kirby and the Forgotten Land - HAL Labs / Nintendo

- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - TT Games / WBIE

- Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - Ubisoft Milan, Ubisoft Paris / Ubisoft

- Nintendo Switch Sports - Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge - Tribute Games / DotEmu

Debut Game

 

The Debut Game Award, which recognizes a title that is the first title from a developer and still manages to deliver a great game. Tunic was nominated again, making it a double winner. Audio director Kevin Regamey, who took the microphone in place of designer Andrew Shouldice, who had accepted the award earlier, thanked his wife. He laughed and said it was his wife who kept cheering loudly. Several times throughout the day, whenever "Tunic" appeared on screen, his wife celebrated the game's nomination with a particularly loud cheer.

 

- As Dusk Falls - Interior / Night / Xbox Game Studios

- The Case of the Golden Idol - Color Gray Games / Playstack

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

- Trombone Champ - Holy Wow Studios

- Tunic - Tunic Team / Finji

- Vampire Survivors - Poncle

BAFTA Fellowship - Shuhei Yoshida 

 

Shuhei Yoshida is the latest recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award. PS developer Mark Cerny and others, who have worked with him and recognized his impact on the industry, spoke of his accomplishments, humility, and passion. In his acceptance speech, Shuhei Yoshida first thanked the developers who have traveled new paths with him and envisioned a future for the game industry with new technologies and tools.

 

Game Beyond Entertainment

 

About the last surviving fox clan in a world that's coming to an end, "Endling - Extinction is Forever" depicts the destructive nature of humanity and the survival of cute cubs and their leader. Despite the cuteness of the animals, the devastation of the world reminds us of the threat of humans.

 

- Citizen Sleeper - Jump Over the Age / Fellow Traveler

- Endling - Extinction is Forever - HeroBeat Studios / HandyGames

- Gibbon: Beyond the Trees - Broken Rules

- I was a Teenage Exocolonist - Northway Games / Finji

- Not For Broadcast - Not Games / tinyBuild

- We’ll Always Have Paris - Cowleyfornia Studios

Performer in a Leading Role

 

Christopher Judge, who has won multiple acting awards at major gaming ceremonies for his work on Kratos, once again took the podium as Best Actor. Known for his lengthy acceptance speeches at The Game Awards, he even shared a laugh before his acceptance speech when he looked at his watch and announced that he was going to keep it short.

 

- Alain Mesa - Alejandro Vargas (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2)

- Charlotte McBurney - Amicia (A Plague Tail: Requiem)

- Christopher Judge - Kratos (God of War Ragnarok)

- Manon Gage - Marissa Marcel (Immortality)

- Siobhan Williams - Laura (The Quarry)

- Sunny Suljic - Atreus (God of War Ragnarok)

Best Game

 

At the BAFTA Game Awards, the Best Game of the Year category was won by Vampire Survivors against all odds. The entire development team was on stage to accept the award.

 

- Cult of the Lamb - Mavis Monster / Devolver Digital

- Elden Ring - From Software / BANDAI NAMCO

- God of War Ragnarok - Santa Monica Studio / SIE

- Marvel Snap - Second Dinner / Nuverse

- Stray - BlueTwelve Studios / Annapurna Interactive

- Vampire Survivors - Poncle