The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has revealed its list of nominees for the BAFTA Games Awards 2026, highlighting ARC Raiders in the ‘Game of the Year’ category. This announcement is significant, especially following the controversy generated by the game’s absence at The Game Awards, which led to a boycott by prominent streamers. The exclusion of ARC Raiders from Geoff Keighley’s event sparked criticism and questions about the transparency in the selection of nominees.
Tough competition
2025 has been a remarkable year for the gaming industry, filled with releases that have redefined the medium. Among the most talked-about titles are the action-adventure Hollow Knight: Silksong and the innovative RPG Expedition 33, the latter leading the nomination list with a total of 17 nominations. Hideo Kojima also stands out with his work Death Stranding 2, which has received 10 nominations, solidifying his status as one of the giants of the industry.
The BAFTAs, which have been celebrating video games for two decades across up to 17 categories, have evolved to recognize diversity in talent, introducing separate categories for lead and supporting performances. In this context, the games nominated this year reflect a high level of competition. Attention will focus on April 2026, when the winners will be revealed, although expectations are high regarding Kojima’s titles and the acclaimed Expedition 33.
In addition to the main categories, which include Best Debut, Best Narrative, and Technical Achievement, the gaming community remains attentive to possible surprises, as any game has the opportunity to shine in this highly anticipated ceremony. The relevance of ARC Raiders in this context underscores the recognition of innovative work within the industry, something that is always appreciated.