Larian Studios’ RPG masterpiece scoops up multiple awards, including game of the year, at a star-studded bafta ceremony
Larian Studios celebrated a significant victory at the 20th Bafta Games Awards as Baldur’s Gate 3 clinched the Game of the Year title. The RPG, beloved for its engaging Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, also won in the narrative and music categories, highlighting its broad appeal and artistic mastery.
The Bafta Games Awards, held annually, showcase the best in the gaming industry, celebrating creativity and innovation. This year, the ceremony acknowledged several other titles, but none shone as brightly as Baldur’s Gate 3, which secured a total of five awards. Andrew Wincott earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of the devil Raphael, adding a human touch to the digital triumphs.
Other notable winners included Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the British-developed game Viewfinder, which took home awards for their unique contributions to the gaming landscape. Meanwhile, despite receiving six nominations, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor left empty-handed, underscoring the competitive nature of the event.
During the ceremony, emotions ran high as developers and artists took to the stage to accept their awards. Borislav Slavov, the composer for Baldur’s Gate 3, delivered an especially moving speech, emphasizing the passion infused into the game’s musical score. His words resonated throughout the auditorium, a poignant reminder of the artistry involved in game development.
The awards also highlighted emerging talent and innovation within the British gaming scene. Sad Owl Studios received accolades for Viewfinder as the Best New Intellectual Property, demonstrating the vibrant potential of new creators in the industry.
However, the celebrations were tinged with the harsher realities of the gaming industry, marked by significant job cuts from major companies like Unity and Microsoft. The juxtaposition of celebration and uncertainty painted a complex picture of an industry at a crossroads, striving for creative excellence amid economic challenges.
As the industry reflects on a year of both groundbreaking achievements and formidable challenges, the Bafta Games Awards have set the tone for the future, honouring those who push the boundaries of what video games can be. It’s a reminder that in the world of gaming, innovation and excellence are often accompanied by resilience and adaptability.
