Last night the industry came together for the BAFTA Games Awards, celebrating the very best of 2021 in games. Hosted by Elle Osili-Wood, the ceremony took place at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and boasted the attendance of stars from the world of games as well as wider entertainment.
We’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate the winners as well as all nominees across 18 categories, and celebrate some of the Ukie members that did well at yesterday’s ceremony.
Before Your Eyes
The Game Beyond Entertainment category was won by Before Your Eyes. Developed by GoodbyeWorld Games and published by Ukie member Skybound Games, this game’s innovative use of eye-tracking technology in its storytelling sealed the deal for its win.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5, a high-octane sensory feast from Leamington Spa studio and Ukie member Playground Games, won the BAFTA for British Game after also enjoying a stint at the top of the charts.
Inscyription
Inscryption, a gloriously dark roguelike developed by Daniel Mullins Games and published by Ukie member Devlover Digital, won the award for Game Design. In his speech, Mullins revealed that if it weren’t for the input of Devlover, one of the games bosses would delete save data… we’re all very glad of that change.
It Takes Two
Smash-hit co-op It Takes Two from developer Hazelight Studios and Ukie member EA won the award for Original Property and Multiplayer. “This one was expected” quipped Writer/Director Josef Fares on his second outing on the Queen Elizabeth Hall stage.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky, a rich and detailed battle for survival from Guildford developer and Ukie member Hello Games, picked up the BAFTA for Evolving Game after six years of ever-unfolding updates. “We’re not finished with No Man’s Sky,” was creator Sean Murray’s promise as he left the stage.
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, a lush sci-fi adventure, picked up the Animation and Technical Achievement BAFTAs. Developed by Insomniac Games and produced by Ukie member Sony Interactive Entertainment, this title spent several weeks at the top of the UK boxed game charts in late 2021.
Returnal
Developed by Housemarque and published by Ukie member Sony Interactive Entertaiment, bleak and beautiful Returnal scooped up the awards for Audio Achievement, Music and the coveted Best Game. Actor Jane Perry meanwhile won the BAFTA for Performer In A Leading Role for her portrayal of Selene Vassos in the title.