From Blade Runner-inspired narratives to bullet-hell boss-fighters, this year's BAFTA Young Game Designers competition reveals an array of original and thoughtful game concepts from young creators. The finalists in the Game Concept Award and Game Making Award categories offer a glimpse into their imaginative worlds, where players battle depression with coping mechanisms and explore futuristic memories.
Among them is Rafe Lepherd’s game In Your Head, which tackles mental health through gameplay, and Yggdrasil by Thiago Van Vlerken Rene, a Valkyrie on a quest in Midgard. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Dhyani Patel explores recursive memory in her game, set in a world where memories are ranked and erased.
The competition, now in its 16th year, highlights the power of collaboration among young people, with over a third applying as part of teams. This underscores video games as a space for connection and creativity. The winners will be announced on BAFTA’s YouTube channel on June 18 at 5 pm BST.
The event also reaffirms BAFTA's commitment to supporting the next generation of gaming talent, providing workshops and events during National Careers Week. For more details and to play the games, visit the official BAFTA website.
