Behind the Scenes of the BAFTA Games Awards Judging Process

The 22nd BAFTA Games Awards are set to take place on April 17, 2026, with the nomination process already underway. But what goes into judging these prestigious awards? Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at BAFTA, oversees the entire process, from logistics to ensuring the judging is fair and inclusive. Baehr's team manages the rules, eligibility, and juries, making sure everything is correct and unbiased. The process begins with nominations from BAFTA's 1,400 games members, who can vote in most categories, including Best Game and British Game. However, specialist categories like Artistic Achievement and Audio Achievement are restricted to chapter voting, where only members of the relevant chapter can nominate games. This year, these categories will be voted on by their respective chapters for the first time. The nominations are then whittled down to a long list of ten games per category, which is published on December 9. Juries, comprising BAFTA members and industry experts, then narrow down the list to the final six nominations. Baehr emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in the juries, ensuring a broad mix of voices and expertise. The jury meetings take place over Zoom calls, allowing for global participation and inclusivity. Once the nominations are finalized, the voting process is conducted secretly, with the winner only revealed at the awards ceremony. Baehr highlights BAFTA's commitment to fairness and transparency, with steps in place to prevent bias and ensure robust conversations. For those interested in getting involved in the BAFTA Games Awards, the current membership round for the games industry closes on September 5, 2025. To become a full voting member, applicants must have worked in the screen industries, have a significant contribution to the UK screen arts, and meet specific criteria. BAFTA welcomes applications from industry professionals and encourages the younger generation to pursue careers in video games through the Young BAFTA programme.