adminEntries are open for the BAFTA Games Awards 2027, with updated eligibility rules, entry fees and voting arrangements. Developers planning to submit a game should review the revised requirements carefully, particularly the new fee structure and the deadlines for different release dates.
Image credit: BAFTA/Thomas Alexander
BAFTA Games Awards 2027 entry and AI policy updates
The BAFTA Games Committee reviews the awards’ eligibility criteria, voting procedures and campaigning rules each year. This edition’s rulebook clarifies that awards recognise outstanding human achievement in creating and shaping a game’s final artistic outcome, regardless of the tools used in its production.
BAFTA determines whether entries meet category requirements and may request further information. This can include supporting credit details or materials that help demonstrate the human creativity and development involved. Teams preparing a submission should keep relevant credits and supporting documentation organised so they can respond to any request.
Updated BAFTA Games Awards entry fees
The fee structure has changed, although specific fee amounts are not provided in the announcement. The updates include:
- The 50% Early Entry/Month of Release Discount has been removed.
- Eligible independent and small developers can receive a 25% discount on entry fees.
- A new base entry fee covers up to four categories chosen by the entrant. Where applicable, it also includes entry into Best Game, British Game, Performer in a Leading Role and Performer in a Supporting Role.
- A reduced single-entry fee has been introduced for Evolving Game, which accepts submissions in only one category.
- Additional fees apply to categories entered beyond those included in the base fee.
Before submitting, developers should check which categories are covered by the base fee and whether they meet the criteria for the independent and small developer discount. The announcement does not state the fee amounts, so entrants should consult the official awards information for current pricing.
Evolving Game voting changes
The Evolving Game category will be open to a vote among the wider BAFTA membership in every voting round. BAFTA members will determine both the nominations and the winner. The membership includes more than 1,700 games professionals, alongside industry juries.
BAFTA says the change is intended to bring a broader range of industry expertise and player perspectives into the category. For entrants, this means the category’s nominations and final result will be decided through member voting at each stage.
Eligibility dates and key deadlines
Games must be released between November 15, 2025, and November 19, 2026, to fall within the eligibility window. Entry deadlines depend on a game’s release date:
- For releases from November 15, 2025, through July 31, 2026, entries close September 18.
- For releases from August 1 through November 19, 2026, entries close November 6.
The longlist is scheduled for December 8, 2026, followed by the nominations announcement on March 11, 2027. The ceremony will take place in London on April 14, 2027. Developers should confirm the applicable deadline for their release window and leave time to prepare category materials.
What to expect from the 2027 awards
At the previous ceremony, Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won three BAFTAs, including Best Game and Debut Game. With revised fees, clarified AI guidance and a broader voting process for Evolving Game, the 2027 edition brings several practical changes for studios considering an entry.
In short, the BAFTA Games Awards 2027 are open for submissions, and prospective entrants should check the eligibility window, fee rules and relevant deadline before preparing their entry.
