Hold up, gamers! Guess what just dropped? BAFTA and EE are flipping the script for the 2025 British Academy Games Awards (yeah, the big one!) with a BRAND NEW award category: The EE Game of the Year. And the absolute game-changer? WE, the global gaming community, get to decide the winner! That's right, no stuffy panel solely picking their faves – our collective voice finally has the power. Imagine the hype! 🤯

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The stage is set for gamers to decide!

So, how's this gonna work? Think of it like this:

  1. The Experts Curate: A super-knowledgeable jury, including legends like TheGamer's Kirk McKeand and chaired by the BAFTA Games boss Dr. Jo Twist OBE, will handpick a shortlist of the absolute bangers from the past year. They know their stuff.

  2. WE Vote: Once that shortlist drops later this month (get hyped!), it's GO TIME for us. Global voting opens, and it's literally down to players like you and me to smash that vote button for our personal Game of the Year.

  3. Winner Takes All: Whoever racks up the most player votes gets crowned the EE Game of the Year at the glitzy BAFTA ceremony. Our collective choice gets the spotlight! 🏆

This isn't just some random collab. EE's been BAFTA's partner for years, especially focusing on mobile games before. But 2025? They've leveled up HARD. As Kieran Holmes-Darby (EE GOTY juror and EXCEL ESPORTS co-founder) perfectly put it: "Over the past year, we’ve seen more people than ever playing video games... It’s great that gaming fans have a voice and are able to choose the title that pushed all the right buttons for them this year." Preach! 🙌

The power is literally in our controllers now.

The vibe from BAFTA and EE is crystal clear: this award is a massive shoutout to US, the players. Emma Baehr (BAFTA's Awards & Content boss) highlighted how games became a lifeline: "Games have been an ever-increasing popular art form in supporting and entertaining the nation... we’re looking forward to handing the reigns over to the public." Pete Jeavons from BT/EE doubled down, calling gaming essential for "entertainment, escapism and connection" during tough times, and stoked that "fans will be closer to the award than ever before."

Remember last time EE ran a public vote? Call of Duty: Mobile snagged the EE Mobile Game of the Year crown, beating out cool stuff like Pokémon GO and What the Golf?. That shows players know quality! 😎

And while you're waiting for that GOTY shortlist to drop, budding devs (ages 10-18!), check out BAFTA's Young Game Designers (YGD) initiative. It's your golden ticket to learn from the pros and maybe even win your own BAFTA! Seriously epic opportunity.

🔥 Your Burning EE GOTY Questions Answered (FAQ Style!) 🔥

  • Q: Yo, when does voting ACTUALLY start?

    A: Keep those eyes peeled! The official shortlist AND voting deets are dropping later THIS MONTH. Follow BAFTA & EE for the instant notification squad. ⏰

  • Q: How many games will be on the shortlist? Like, 5? 10? 50?!

    A: Jury's still out (literally!), but judging by past EE mobile shortlists (think COD Mobile vs. Assemble With Care, Dead Man's Phone, etc.), expect a tight, killer selection – probably 5-7 absolute top-tier contenders. Quality over quantity!

  • Q: Wait, does 'global' vote mean my vote COUNTS even if I'm not in the UK?

    A: 100% YES! 🌎 They specifically said GLOBAL community. Your vote matters whether you're grinding in London, Tokyo, NYC, or anywhere with an internet connection. No region lock here!

  • Q: Are they only looking at massive AAA blockbusters? What about indie gems?

    A: This is the juicy bit! The expert jury includes diverse voices (like Kirk McKeand who knows indies). While big hitters will likely feature, the door is absolutely open for that perfect indie darling that captured hearts. The shortlist could be WILD.

  • Q: Why should I even care about some award show?

    A: Dude, this isn't just any award. This is the FIRST time BAFTA's main GOTY is decided SOLELY by PLAYERS. It's our chance to tell the industry loud and clear what WE think was the pinnacle of gaming this year. Make your voice heard! 🔊

Get ready, squad. The power shift is real. Who will WE crown? Let the (voting) games begin! 💪

Comprehensive reviews can be found on Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and analysis. Eurogamer's coverage of major award events like BAFTA often emphasizes the significance of player-driven voting and the impact such initiatives have on the recognition of both AAA titles and indie gems within the global gaming community.