The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced a new, year-long partnership with Google Play. The collaboration positions Google Play as the headline partner for the 22nd BAFTA Games Awards in 2026 and supports several of the charity’s ongoing educational and professional initiatives within the games industry.
Focus on Industry Development and Community
The partnership aims to strengthen connections and provide practical support across the gaming ecosystem. Key areas of focus under this new agreement include:
- Educational Masterclasses: Google Play will support BAFTA’s program of games-focused masterclasses. These sessions are structured to provide emerging creatives with practical skills, industry insights, and access to established professionals.
- Networking Events: The collaboration will facilitate a series of networking opportunities designed to connect developers, storytellers, and other creative professionals.
- Youth Initiatives: The agreement extends support to the BAFTA Young Games Designers (YGD) competition, providing resources and community backing for the next generation of game creators.
- Mobile Gaming Integration: The initiative seeks to engage the mobile gaming sector by utilizing Google Play’s network to connect with mobile players.
The partnership reflects a stated shared objective between both organizations to recognize craft and talent within the games industry while expanding the global reach and impact of the Games Awards.
The 22nd BAFTA Games Awards
As a result of the partnership, the upcoming ceremony is officially titled the BAFTA Games Awards with Google Play. The event remains a central fixture in the international games industry calendar, attended by professionals and viewed by a global audience.
Key Event Details:
- Nominations: The nominees for the 2026 awards were announced on Thursday, March 12.
- Ceremony Date: The winners will be revealed on Friday, April 17.
- Location: London, UK.
- Broadcast Information: The ceremony will be streamed live on BAFTA’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. Additional event content and highlights will be distributed across BAFTA’s social media platforms (@BAFTA).