It feels like we just wrapped up the last awards season, but here we are again. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has officially dropped its longlists for the 2026 Games Awards, and if you thought this year in gaming was quiet, think again. The list is a fascinating mix of massive blockbusters, long-awaited sequels, and one very surprising frontrunner that has everyone talking.
With 64 games making the cut across 17 categories, the competition is fierce. But let’s cut through the noise and talk about the headlines that actually matter—including the fact that a certain bug-themed Metroidvania actually exists.
The Unexpected Leader: Clair Obscur
If you were betting on Indiana Jones or Death Stranding 2 to sweep the board, you might have lost some money. The absolute standout of this longlist is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This turn-based RPG from Sandfall Interactive has managed to snag a staggering 17 mentions across the longlists. That is unheard of for a debut title from a new studio going up against industry titans.
It’s listed in almost every major category, including Best Game, Artistic Achievement, and multiple performer nods for its cast, which includes Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox. It’s a massive validation for turn-based RPGs, proving that the genre is not only alive but thriving on the biggest stages.
Silksong is Real (We Think)
It has been the meme that wouldn’t die. Every showcase, every Nintendo Direct, every Geoff Keighley event, the chat is flooded with “Silksong when?” Well, we finally have an answer: 2025 apparently happened, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is officially on the BAFTA Best Game longlist.
Seeing it right there next to Hades II feels surreal. Team Cherry’s sequel has been in the oven for what feels like a decade, but its presence here confirms it’s not just a collective hallucination. It’s competing directly against Hades II, setting up a clash of the indie sequel titans that is going to be incredibly painful to judge.
The Best Game Heavyweights
The Best Game category is always the one everyone watches, and this year’s longlist is a diverse spread of genres. We have open-world epics, extraction shooters, and narrative puzzlers all vying for the top spot. Here is the full list of the 10 games still in the running for the big prize:
| Game Title | Developer/Publisher | Key Genre |
|---|---|---|
| ARC Raiders | Embark Studios | Extraction Shooter |
| Blue Prince | Dogubomb | Strategy Puzzler |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | Sandfall Interactive | Turn-Based RPG |
| Death Stranding 2: On The Beach | Kojima Productions | Action / Strand Game |
| Dispatch | Hugecalf Studios | Narrative Thriller |
| Ghost of Yōtei | Sucker Punch | Action Adventure |
| Hades II | Supergiant Games | Roguelike Dungeon Crawler |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | Team Cherry | Metroidvania |
| Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | MachineGames | Action Adventure |
| Split Fiction | Happy Blue Fish | Narrative / Immersive Sim |
It’s interesting to see Indiana Jones and the Great Circle making a strong showing here. Licensed games can be hit or miss, but MachineGames seems to have stuck the landing. On the other hand, Ghost of Yōtei proves Sucker Punch wasn’t a one-hit wonder with the Ghost franchise. And, of course, Hideo Kojima is back doing Kojima things with Death Stranding 2, securing nominations for Best Game, Audio, and Performer.
The Performance Battle
The acting categories are stacked this year. BAFTA has split them into Leading and Supporting roles, and the talent on display is ridiculous. We’re seeing Hollywood heavyweights mixing it up with veteran voice actors.
- Troy Baker is competing against himself (classic Troy) with nods for both Indiana Jones (Leading) and Higgs in Death Stranding 2 (Supporting).
- Jeffrey Wright brings some serious prestige for his role in Dispatch.
- Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox are both rep’ing Clair Obscur, adding to that game’s massive momentum.
- Laura Bailey is back in the mix for Dispatch.
It’s a testament to how crucial performance has become in modern gaming. These aren’t just “voice overs” anymore; they are full performance capture roles that rival anything you see in cinema.
What Happens Next?
Remember, this is just the longlist. These 60+ games will now be whittled down by the BAFTA voting members into the final nominations. That creates a whole new round of tension because making the longlist is an honor, but making the final five or six is where history is made.
The official nominations will be revealed on Thursday, March 12, 2026. From there, we have just over a month of debates and fanboy wars before the actual ceremony takes place on Thursday, April 17, 2026. Mark your calendars, because if this longlist is any indication, it’s going to be a chaotic night.
Conclusion
The 2026 BAFTA Games Awards longlist is a refreshing reminder of how broad the gaming landscape is right now. You have a massive Xbox exclusive like Indiana Jones sitting right next to an indie darling like Blue Prince. You have the return of legends like Kojima and the long-awaited debut of Silksong. While Clair Obscur is the story of the moment with its 17 nods, the race is wide open. Now, we wait for March to see who survives the cut.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the longlist and the nominations?
The longlist is the initial pool of top contenders selected by jurors. Voting members then choose the final official nominees from this list, which are usually limited to 5 or 6 games per category.
2. Why is Hollow Knight: Silksong on the list?
Because it was released! (In this hypothetical 2025 timeline). To be eligible for the 2026 awards, a game must have been released within the eligibility window of 2025.
3. When are the winners announced?
The winners will be announced at the BAFTA Games Awards ceremony on April 17, 2026.
4. Which game has the most mentions on the longlist?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the pack with 17 mentions across various categories.
5. Can the public vote for the winners?
Generally, BAFTA awards are voted on by industry members. However, there is usually one “EE Players’ Choice” award that is voted for by the public, though the nominees for that are often announced later.