[Event news] Google Play confirmed as the new BAFTA Games Awards headline partner

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

BAFTA is pleased to announce a new partnership with Google Play, marking the charity’s ongoing commitment to celebrate excellence in the screen arts and games industry.

The year-long partnership will see Google Play become a headline partner for the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards, with a particular focus on strengthening connections within the games community. As part of the partnership, Google Play will support BAFTA’s programme of games-focused masterclasses designed to equip aspiring and emerging creatives with practical skills, industry insights and access to leading experts. The partnership will champion a series of networking events aimed at bringing together developers, storytellers and creative professionals from across the games ecosystem.

Google Play’s commitment will also extend to initiatives such as the BAFTA Young Games Designers (YGD) competition, ensuring that the next generation of creators has the resources, inspiration and community support needed to thrive.

The partnership will support BAFTA’s continued ambition to champion all aspects of the games community, including connecting authentically to mobile games players through Google Play’s network. Both organisations have a shared vision and values to continue to celebrate the industry’s craft, creativity and incredible talent by amplifying the Games Awards.

The 22nd BAFTA Games Awards with Google Play marks one of the biggest events in the international games awards calendar, attended by industry professionals and reaching audiences worldwide through highly engaged content across @BAFTA socials.

Ben McOwen Wilson, managing director, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Google Play, said: “At Google Play, we believe that world-class gaming should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. Our partnership with BAFTA reflects Google Play’s commitment to supporting developers who create seamless, quality, high-fidelity experiences for all.”

Anthony Cole-Johnson, executive director of Commercial at BAFTA, said: “At BAFTA, our mission is to champion excellence across the screen arts, and our Games Awards are one of the biggest moments in the international games calendar to celebrate the creativity and talent that drive the games industry forward. We are delighted to welcome Google Play as the headline partner, whose support will help amplify the Games Awards while also expanding our programme of masterclasses, networking opportunities and initiatives like the BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) competition, helping us nurture and celebrate the next generation of games creators.”

The 2026 BAFTA Games Awards with Google Play nominations were announced on Thursday 12 March and are available here. The winners will be revealed at the ceremony on Friday 17 April in London, which will be hosted by Elz and streamed on BAFTA’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Content will be available to watch on @BAFTA socials.