BAFTA Games Awards 2025: Astro Bot reigns supreme, Still Wakes the Deep and Helldivers 2 steal the spotlight

On April 8, 2025, London hosted the BAFTA Games Awards, where the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) crowned the year’s standout video games. The night belonged to Astro Bot, a platformer that clinched five awards, including the coveted “Best Game.” Yet surprises abounded: Still Wakes the Deep nabbed three trophies, Helldivers 2 took two, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, despite leading with 11 nominations, walked away with just one win. Here’s a rundown of who won what and why it matters.

Astro Bot: The Night’s Unrivaled Champion

Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, dominated with five victories:

• Best Game: Outshining Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Thank Goodness You’re Here!
• Best Animation: For the smooth, expressive antics of its pint-sized robot star.
• Best Game Design: For nailing a perfect balance of platforming challenges.
• Audio Achievement: For an immersive soundscape that pulls players in.
• Family Game: For its universal appeal and all-ages fun.

Director Nicolas Doucet dedicated the top prize to developers who ignite passion in the next generation of gamers. Astro Bot’s haul proves that pure, unadulterated joy can still win big.

Still Wakes the Deep: A Horror Hit with Heart

The Chinese Room’s chilling tale, set on a 1970s Scottish oil rig, scooped three awards:

• Best New Intellectual Property: For a fresh twist on horror.
• Performer in a Leading Role: Alec Newman’s gripping turn as Cameron “Caz” McLeary.
• Performer in a Supporting Role: Karen Dunbar’s depth as Finlay.

These wins spotlight not just the game’s eerie atmosphere but its standout performances—a rarity among gaming accolades.

Helldivers 2: Chaos, Community, and Sound

Arrowhead Game Studios’ co-op shooter, a breakout hit of 2024, snagged two honors:

• Best Multiplayer: For its wild, addictive team-based action.
• Best Music: Wilbert Roget II, Ross Tregenza, and Keith Leary’s epic score amplifies the chaos.

Creative director Johan Pilestedt shared how the game reconnected players with friends from decades past, underscoring its community-driven success.

Hellblade II’s Unexpected Stumble

Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II entered with a field-leading 11 nominations but left with just one win: Technical Achievement. Praised for its visuals and sound, it faltered in major categories—a shock given its high-profile launch.

Other Standout Winners

• Best Debut Game: Balatro by LocalThunk, a solo-dev poker roguelike, wowed with its ingenuity.
• Best Narrative: Atlus’ Metaphor: ReFantazio reaffirmed JRPGs’ storytelling chops.
• Best Evolving Game: Vampire Survivors outlasted titans like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.
• Best British Game: Thank Goodness You’re Here! brought Yorkshire absurdity to the fore.
• Artistic Achievement: Nomada Studio’s Neva dazzled with its visual artistry.
• Game Beyond Entertainment: Tales of Kenzera: ZAU moved players with its exploration of grief.

Surprises and Trends

Despite six nominations, Black Myth: Wukong went home empty-handed—a head-scratcher after its acclaim elsewhere. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Metaphor: ReFantazio, hampered by BAFTA’s remake rules, missed the “Best Game” race. The night showcased a vibrant mix, from indie gems to AAA heavyweights, spanning platformers to horrors.

Special Recognition

Legendary composer Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy XV) received the BAFTA Fellowship for her indelible mark on game music. In her speech, she credited her career to the support of peers and her love for games.

The Takeaway

The 2025 BAFTA Games Awards celebrated the industry’s diversity and creativity. Astro Bot reminded us games can be about sheer delight, Still Wakes the Deep showcased narrative and acting prowess, and Helldivers 2 proved community can fuel a hit. Hellblade II’s lone win was the night’s oddity in a sea of unexpected triumphs. Check the full winners list on BAFTA’s site—it’s a solid guide to 2024’s must-plays.