Backstory:15 years of must play Debut Games

The release of a Debut Game is a special moment. For the studio teams launching their creations into the world it is an opportunity to see players enjoy the results of their labour of love. And for players it may just be the moment where they find a brand-new video game obsession. That’s why the announcement of the winner of BAFTA Debut Game Award is a hotly anticipated moment in the games calendar.

As we gear up to the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards with Google Play, where we will be awarding our 15th Debut Game Award, we look back at previous winners, as well as this year’s nominees …

When Debut Game was first awarded in 2012 it went to Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, an action-adventure puzzle game where you battle bizarre creatures and solve complex puzzles. Since then, other puzzle-based games like the magical hand-drawn Gorogoa and traditional Iñupiaq inspired storytelling game Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) have followed in its footsteps. As have dramatic reverse-horror experience Carrion and intriguing detective role-play adventure Disco Elysium, all of which capture players’ imaginations with their impressive visuals and memorable narratives.

Most recently 2025 winner, deck building card game Balatro, and 2024 winner, narrative cooking game Venba showed the draw of real-life activities being translated into a video game setting. While previous other winners from fox fantasy Tunic and pinball-esque Yoku’s Island Express to wilderness protection challenge Firewatch and surreal painting inspired quest The Unfinished Swan all show the enduring appeal of the adventure genre.

• Blue Prince
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Consume Me
• Despelote
• Dispatch
• The Midnight Walk

Speaking about this year’s nominees Des Gayle, Deputy Chair of the BAFTA Games Committee, says: “I love the presence of so many international teams in this category. Each game took a risk, whether that was through their ambition and the scope of work taken on, the theme or the execution of gameplay mechanics. They each brought something unique to the table. Irrelevant of who is eventually crowned winner they are all exciting studios to watch out for.”

The 2026 BAFTA Games Awards with Google Play winners will be announced on  Friday  17  April on Twitch and YouTube.  The awards, which are voted for by our expert membership of over 1,400 experienced professionals, celebrate the very best games of the past year and the talent who make them.

Get ready ahead of time by exploring this year’s nominees and share which games you are most excited about with us on socials by tagging @BAFTAGames.