The nominations for the BAFTA Games Awards are in, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is out in front with an impressive 12 nods.
Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the RPG has already picked up momentum across multiple award shows, and its strong showing here doesn’t come as much of a surprise. It’s in the running for major categories including Best Game, alongside nominations for music and narrative.
A competitive Best Game lineup
While Expedition 33 leads the pack, the Best Game category is far from a done deal.
Other nominees include Dispatch, which picked up nine nominations, and Ghost of Yōtei with eight. Blue Prince also makes the shortlist, alongside Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - a slightly unexpected inclusion given its late 2024 release window - and multiplayer shooter Arc Raiders.
Notably absent from the top category is Death Stranding 2, despite still securing seven nominations overall.
Big names and standout performances
The performance categories this year feature a mix of established screen actors and experienced voice talent.
Aaron Paul earns a nomination for his role in Dispatch, while Jeffrey Wright is recognised in supporting performance for the same title. Meanwhile, Tom McKay is nominated for his work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Expedition 33 also features heavily here, with Charlie Cox nominated for a supporting role, alongside co-stars Ben Starr and Jennifer English in the lead category.
Veteran performer Troy Baker picks up two nominations - one for playing Indiana Jones and another for his role in Death Stranding 2.
A mix of blockbusters and indie hits
As usual, the BAFTAs balance big-budget releases with smaller, independent titles.
Highly anticipated games like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2 appear only in a handful of categories, while narrative-heavy and experimental titles also feature across the shortlist.
In the “Game Beyond Entertainment” category, nominees include Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, alongside projects tackling themes like dementia and eating disorders - highlighting the broader storytelling scope the awards aim to recognise.
Strong UK presence
British studios are well represented this year, with several appearing in the dedicated British Game category. These include Atomfall, set in an alternate version of England’s Lake District, as well as PowerWash Simulator 2 and Mafia: The Old Country.
Looking ahead to the ceremony
The BAFTA Games Awards, first launched in 2004, continue to highlight creative and technical achievements across the industry. Winners will be announced on April 17, with the ceremony expected to be shared عبر BAFTA’s online channels.
With such a broad mix of titles and talent this year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may be leading the nominations - but it’s shaping up to be a closely fought race.
