BAFTA Games Awards 2027 Reshapes Rules for Developers

The BAFTA Games Awards have opened entries for their 2027 ceremony, introducing changes to entry fees, voting, and their artificial intelligence (AI) policy. Eligible games must have been or be released in the U.K. between Nov 15, 2025, and Nov 19, 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for April 14, 2027, in London.

BAFTA Games Awards 2027 Entry Fees and Deadlines

BAFTA has removed its previous 50% early-entry discount and added a 25% reduction for eligible independent and small developers. The standard fee is £475 plus VAT (£570, ~$642, and $770 including VAT). Additional categories cost £150 plus VAT (£180, ~$203, and $243), while Evolving Game entries cost £300 plus VAT (£350, ~$405, and $473).

The standard fee covers up to four selected categories, with eligible games automatically considered for Best Game and British Game. Performer entries also carry no additional fee. Games released through July 31, 2026, must be entered by Sep 18, while games released from Aug 1 to Nov 19, 2026, have until Nov 6, 2026.

BAFTA Updates AI Policy and Evolving Game Voting

BAFTA's revised AI policy states that its awards recognize "outstanding human achievement" regardless of the tools used. The Games Committee can request credit information and supporting material demonstrating human creativity and development.

The longlist is due Dec 8, 2026, with nominations on March 11, 2027. Last year's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won three BAFTAs, including Best Game and Debut Game.

The Evolving Game category will now use a membership-wide vote in every round. BAFTA stated that the change will "enable a broader range of industry expertise and player perspectives." About 1.7K games professionals participate in the voting process.

The changes reflect BAFTA’s effort to keep its awards aligned with how games are made and judged today.