Winners at theBAFTA Game Awards: Astro Bot takes Game of the Year, Balatro wins Best Debut Game—with a great speech Included
Astro Bot Takes Top Honor at BAFTA Games Awards 2025
After the 2024BAFTAs,where titles likeBaldur’s Gate 3,Alan Wake 2, and Super Mario Bros. Wonderled the charge, the 2025 edition was highly anticipated—especially with the nominations for Astro Bot andHellblade 2.
On April 8, theBAFTA Game Awards 2025were held, and the night was full of surprises—particularly when it came to awarding Best Debut Game (more on that at the end).
Team Asobi’s platforming adventure, directed by Nicolas Doucet, had already triumphed atThe Game Awards 2024and theDICE Awards 2025. Now, it also claimsGame of the Yearat theBAFTA Game Awards 2025.
It beat out tough competition in the category, including:
The Ceremony and Host
Hosted by comedianPhil Wangfor the second consecutive year, the gala took place atQueen Elizabeth Hallin London. Winners were selected across17 categoriesfrom a pool of41 nominees.
BAFTA Game Awards 2025 – Winners and Nominees
Artistic Achievement
Audio Achievement
Best British Game
Best Debut Game
Evolving Game
Family Game
Game Beyond Entertainment
Game Design
Multiplayer
Technical Achievement
Performer in a Leading Role
Performer in a Supporting Role
Balatro Wins Best Debut—with a Surprise Speech
As noted on the official BAFTA Games Twitter account, Balatro’s developerLocalThunkonce again chose not to attend the ceremony, just in case the game won. Instead, a very familiar face to fans of the game accepted on their behalf.
“This is weird,” said actorBen Starrat the start of his speech.If that name rings a bell, it’s because he voices Jimbo in Balatro, Clive in Final Fantasy XVI, and Prometheus in Hades 2.
So there you have it—Astro Botwins the top prize, andBalatrotakes home Best Debut Game, complete with a surprise moment for fans during the show.
For more Fextralife news, be sure to check outMicrosoft Confirms Date for Xbox Games Showcase 2025and alsoDiablo 4 Reveals Its Ambitious Roadmap for 2025
