The BAFTA Recreation Awards longlist has been revealed – and it’s lengthy.
The awards ceremony has been operating since 2004 and celebrates the very best of gaming from internationally, in addition to the flourishing gaming scene within the UK.
The longlist itself includes 58 video games, with 10 video games listed for the celebrated Greatest Recreation award. It’s a satisfying mixture of indie and AAA, and mirror picks from the Golden Joystick Awards and Recreation Awards. There’s Black Fantasy: Wukong, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Knowledge, and crowd-pleaser Name of Obligation: Black Ops 6. Curiously, hits like Tekken 8, Silent Hill 2 and Last Fantasy VII Rebirth haven’t made it, although they had been included within the basic longlist. Equally, Baldur’s Gate 3, which swept the board again in 2023, has returned to the longlist, presumably for the continuing work Larian Studios have been doing to enhance the sport because it launched.
Whereas the longlist mirrors that of different awards ceremonies which have taken place in latest months – such because the Video games Awards – there are additionally just a few uniquely British entries.
Chief amongst these is Thank Goodness You’re Right here!, the Yorkshire-set sport that has drawn comparisons to Monty Python with its absurdist humour. In a really BAFTA transfer, a number of different indie video games have additionally acquired a welcome nod, together with Billy Basso’s Animal Effectively, the roguelike deck builder Balatro and ethereal journey Neva. The motion platformer The Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, which was additionally teased throughout final 12 months’s awards ceremony, has made the longlist too.
The winners of the awards shall be introduced at a ceremony on April 8, whereas the shortlist shall be introduced on March 5.
From reproductive rights to local weather change to Large Tech, The Impartial is on the bottom when the story is creating. Whether or not it is investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our newest documentary, ‘The A Phrase’, which shines a light-weight on the American girls preventing for reproductive rights, we all know how essential it’s to parse out the information from the messaging.
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Name Of Responsibility: Black Ops 6, The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Knowledge and Astro Bot have been named on the longlist in the perfect sport class for the 2025 Bafta Sport Awards.
Bafta has launched the total longlist of 58 video games which were voted as the perfect titles of 2024 by the organisation’s 1,300 video games members, forward of the ultimate nominations being confirmed in March subsequent yr, and the awards themselves happening in April.
The longlist consists of high-profile mainstream titles akin to EA Sports activities FC 25, Lego Horizon Adventures and Star Wars Outlaws, in addition to critically acclaimed impartial video games akin to Animal Nicely and Thank Goodness You’re Right here! – each of which have additionally been included on the longlist for the celebrated greatest sport award.
They’re joined on that checklist by the most recent instalments from gaming franchise behemoths Name Of Responsibility and The Legend Of Zelda, with nominees in 16 additional classes to be finalised subsequent yr.
Different notable inclusions on the longlist are digital actuality sport Batman: Arkham Shadow, 2024 Bafta Sport Awards winner for greatest sport, Baldur’s Gate 3, and the remake of 2001 survival horror traditional, Silent Hill 2.
Tara Saunders, chair of Bafta’s Video games committee, stated: “The Bafta Sport Awards longlist is our alternative to have a good time a variety of excellent video games forward of the Bafta nominations on 4 March subsequent yr.
“At this time we’re shining a light-weight on 58 video games, as voted for by our fantastic Bafta members – 1,300 trade professionals whose work brings video games to life.
“It’s at all times an thrilling time of yr when everybody shares their lists for the the perfect video games of the yr and I hope ours might be talked about and provides gamers one thing new to find and play with household and associates over the festive season.”
From reproductive rights to local weather change to Huge Tech, The Impartial is on the bottom when the story is creating. Whether or not it is investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our newest documentary, ‘The A Phrase’, which shines a lightweight on the American ladies preventing for reproductive rights, we all know how essential it’s to parse out the information from the messaging.
At such a essential second in US historical past, we want reporters on the bottom. Your donation permits us to maintain sending journalists to talk to each side of the story.
The Impartial is trusted by People throughout the whole political spectrum. And in contrast to many different high quality information retailers, we select to not lock People out of our reporting and evaluation with paywalls. We imagine high quality journalism ought to be accessible to everybody, paid for by those that can afford it.
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I am bouncing about within the tiniest aeroplane I’ve ever flown in when the 11-mile arc of white sand now referred to as Princess Diana Seashore comes into view. The 15-minute flight from Antigua, which moments in the past felt like an eternity, is plainly now a ticket to paradise.
Tiny Barbuda, which was left decimated by Hurricane Irma in 2017, had simply two weeks earlier opened its model new airport. It’s now – relying on who you ask – reopening for enterprise or on a quick monitor to changing into an unique billionaires’ enclave.
The brand new airport, which has been designed to accommodate a number of non-public jets, was described at its ribbon-cutting ceremony by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority chief govt Colin C James as a “sport changer for Barbuda, as we glance to attracting the luxurious traveller and personal jet homeowners from around the globe to Barbuda”.
Regardless of the grand plans, the inhabitants of round 1,600, who’ve principally returned to Barbuda and are slowly rebuilding their properties and companies, are decided to guard the island’s extraordinary atmosphere.
This contains the 16-mile Codrington Lagoon nationwide park, my first cease the place I hop right into a small boat for the brief journey out over the shallow blue lagoon to the tiny Man of Struggle Island to see the most important colony of frigate birds within the western hemisphere. Different marine life contains the endangered hawksbill and leatherback turtles.
The frigate birds journey between the Caribbean and Galapagos islands, arriving in time for the mating season when the pink pouches on the males’ throats inflate to draw a feminine.
It’s a spectacular sight, and its cautious safety as a fragile ecosystem with a minimal of human involvement implies that our subsequent cease on the aptly-named Pink Sand Seashore, simply over the sandbar from the lagoon, is a real catch-your-breath second.
The seashore, with its seasonal shade of pink from crushed shells edged by the clearest turquoise waters, is each secure and abandoned – there’s not one other soul to be seen in both route. I bathe within the heat waters till our information, Pat, offers me a delicate hurry-up. When you assume that is stunning, wait till you see Princess Diana Seashore, he tells me.
I drag myself away with the promise of a lobster burger en route – we cease at The Sage Desk, a well known favorite with locals and vacationers alike for a brioche bun loaded with the delicacy – and on to the seashore generally thought-about essentially the most stunning throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
A map of Princess Diana seashore
Pat will not be incorrect. The sand is so white it’s unimaginable to enterprise out of the automotive with out sun shades. The water is a blue so clear and clear you may look previous faculties of tiny vividly-coloured fish to the sand beneath. It’s a unprecedented sight, and it’s as soon as once more fully abandoned so far as the attention can see in both route.
After plunging straight in, I determine to walk in direction of the far level, and inside minutes come throughout large, luxurious properties being constructed, infinity swimming pools already accomplished and full. My recommendation, if you wish to see this seashore in its present tranquil, otherworldly state, is to go to as quickly as you may.
The day journey to Barbuda is an thrilling addition to actions on provide to guests to Antigua, lengthy referred to as a basic ‘fly and flop’ vacation spot for sun-starved Brits.
My base on Antigua is the Blue Waters resort, set inside a personal bay on the island’s northwestern coast. There’s no want to go away in any respect if days spent wandering amongst 17 acres of tropical gardens dropping down to 3 powder-soft sand seashores feels like sufficient of a vacation.
The lodge’s bars and eating places provide every thing from French delicacies by the sunshine of flaming torches to informal beachside lunches, whereas days are spent swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding. The spa, with its dramatic clifftop location and pool, is virtually a vacation spot in its personal proper.
However there’s a lot to discover throughout the island, together with Bay Gardens Antigua – a Caribbean-style “mall” with outlets filled with native craft and produce, a chocolate manufacturing facility, a restaurant and a venue that hosts yoga classes, all set underneath cooling palms and mahogany bushes. It’s a sublime and enjoyable different to souvenir-shopping on the airport, and helps native people who find themselves usually readily available to speak to clients.
After an hour shopping with a espresso, it’s time to modify to one thing somewhat stronger, and a category in making the proper rum punch at Quin Farara in downtown Antigua. Firstly, now we have to style a line-up of native rums earlier than choosing which might be greatest in our personalised punch, which is put along with simply the correct quantity of ice and a pour decided by counting to 3 – as rapidly or slowly as you want. It might be the power of the drink, however I genuinely really feel as if I’ve come away with a precious life talent.
After a rum-induced quiet afternoon again on the resort, the choice is made to enterprise additional afield for dinner, to Papa Zouk for ‘fish n’ rum’. The tiny restaurant doesn’t hassle with a menu – proprietor Bert will let you recognize the catch that has are available in recent that day, however a lot of Antiguans had really helpful the snapper. It arrived entire, with a scrumptious however top-secret coating, and washed down with a glass of the rum punch, with the warning: “Be careful, it’s harmful.” If ever there was a motive to go away the consolation of the resort, this was it.
There may be one final day, and I spend it recovering from the night time earlier than in true ‘flop’ vogue. However the vacation to this long-loved vacation spot has offered breathtaking sights and extraordinary experiences throughout the 2 islands that make it effectively price a re-visit, and venturing past the resort.
From reproductive rights to local weather change to Huge Tech, The Unbiased is on the bottom when the story is growing. Whether or not it is investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our newest documentary, ‘The A Phrase’, which shines a light-weight on the American ladies preventing for reproductive rights, we all know how essential it’s to parse out the information from the messaging.
At such a important second in US historical past, we want reporters on the bottom. Your donation permits us to maintain sending journalists to talk to each side of the story.
The Unbiased is trusted by People throughout the complete political spectrum. And in contrast to many different high quality information retailers, we select to not lock People out of our reporting and evaluation with paywalls. We consider high quality journalism ought to be accessible to everybody, paid for by those that can afford it.
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Regardless of having not but been launched on Netflix, Squid Recreation season two has already earned a nomination on the 2025 Golden Globes. However how?
Whereas it doesn’t premiere till December 26, it stays throughout the eligibility window for the 82nd ceremony, which requires a TV present to have aired someday through the 2024 calendar 12 months.
It’s up in opposition to FX’s historic drama Shōgun, Amazon Prime Video’s spy motion Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Apple TV+’s Gradual Horses, Netflix’s The Diplomat and Peacock thriller The Day of the Jackal.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk beforehand spoke about his hesitation to proceed the story, admitting to the BBC that “the stress I really feel now’s a lot larger.”
Revealing that cash was the explanation he modified his thoughts, he mentioned: “Regardless that the primary sequence was such an enormous world success, actually I didn’t make a lot. So doing the second sequence will assist compensate me for the success of the primary one too.”
Season two of Squid Recreation — which sees tons of of money-strapped people compete in a lethal recreation to win a life-changing sum of cash — will comply with Lee Jung-jae’s Participant 456 as he makes an attempt to finish the sadistic video games as soon as and for all by re-entering the competitors.
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Apart from Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun), the forthcoming version will see just a few extra returning faces: Lee Byung-hun (Entrance Man), Wi Ha-jun (Detective Hwang Jun-ho) and Gong Yoo (Recruiter).
Park, 39, is a cisgender male actor recognized for his roles in varied Okay-Dramas, together with The Glory and The Queen of Tears.
His casting was met with scrutiny by viewers who felt a transgender actor ought to have landed the position.
Talking about his character in a brand new season two “Meet the Forged” featurette, Park defined that Hyun-Ju is a former particular forces soldier who joins the life-or-death video games to fund her gender-affirming surgical procedure.
“Regardless that she faces prejudices and hard conditions, she reveals unimaginable power, decisiveness, and pure management. By her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character,” he mentioned.
From reproductive rights to local weather change to Large Tech, The Impartial is on the bottom when the story is creating. Whether or not it is investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our newest documentary, ‘The A Phrase’, which shines a light-weight on the American girls preventing for reproductive rights, we all know how vital it’s to parse out the information from the messaging.
At such a vital second in US historical past, we’d like reporters on the bottom. Your donation permits us to maintain sending journalists to talk to either side of the story.
The Impartial is trusted by People throughout your complete political spectrum. And in contrast to many different high quality information retailers, we select to not lock People out of our reporting and evaluation with paywalls. We consider high quality journalism ought to be out there to everybody, paid for by those that can afford it.
Your assist makes all of the distinction.
Regardless of having not but been launched on Netflix, Squid Sport season two has already earned a nomination on the 2025 Golden Globes. However how?
Whereas it doesn’t premiere till December 26, it stays inside the eligibility window for the 82nd ceremony, which requires a TV present to have aired someday in the course of the 2024 calendar 12 months.
It’s up in opposition to FX’s historic drama Shōgun, Amazon Prime Video’s spy motion Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Apple TV+’s Gradual Horses, Netflix’s The Diplomat and Peacock thriller The Day of the Jackal.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk beforehand spoke about his hesitation to proceed the story, admitting to the BBC that “the stress I really feel now’s a lot larger.”
Revealing that cash was the explanation he modified his thoughts, he stated: “Despite the fact that the primary sequence was such an enormous world success, truthfully I didn’t make a lot. So doing the second sequence will assist compensate me for the success of the primary one too.”
Season two of Squid Sport — which sees a whole bunch of money-strapped people compete in a lethal recreation to win a life-changing sum of cash — will comply with Lee Jung-jae’s Participant 456 as he makes an attempt to finish the sadistic video games as soon as and for all by re-entering the competitors.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers solely. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews till cancelled
Apart from Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun), the forthcoming version will see a couple of extra returning faces: Lee Byung-hun (Entrance Man), Wi Ha-jun (Detective Hwang Jun-ho) and Gong Yoo (Recruiter).
Park, 39, is a cisgender male actor identified for his roles in varied Okay-Dramas, together with The Glory and The Queen of Tears.
His casting was met with scrutiny by viewers who felt a transgender actor ought to have landed the function.
Talking about his character in a brand new season two “Meet the Forged” featurette, Park defined that Hyun-Ju is a former particular forces soldier who joins the life-or-death video games to fund her gender-affirming surgical procedure.
“Despite the fact that she faces prejudices and difficult conditions, she exhibits unbelievable energy, decisiveness, and pure management. By her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character,” he stated.
From reproductive rights to local weather change to Massive Tech, The Impartial is on the bottom when the story is creating. Whether or not it is investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our newest documentary, ‘The A Phrase’, which shines a light-weight on the American girls preventing for reproductive rights, we all know how necessary it’s to parse out the info from the messaging.
At such a important second in US historical past, we want reporters on the bottom. Your donation permits us to maintain sending journalists to talk to each side of the story.
The Impartial is trusted by Individuals throughout the complete political spectrum. And in contrast to many different high quality information shops, we select to not lock Individuals out of our reporting and evaluation with paywalls. We consider high quality journalism must be out there to everybody, paid for by those that can afford it.
Park, 39, is a cisgender male actor identified for his roles in numerous Ok-Dramas, together with The Glory and The Queen of Tears.
Talking about his character in a brand new season two “Meet the Solid” featurette, Park defined that Hyun-Ju is a former particular forces soldier who joins the life-or-death video games to fund her gender-affirming surgical procedure.
“Although she faces prejudices and difficult conditions, she reveals unbelievable energy, decisiveness, and pure management. By way of her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character,” he mentioned.
The inclusion of a transgender character in a Korean drama is an enormous deal for a standard nation the place same-sex marriage remains to be not legally acknowledged, but many viewers remained upset that the collection didn’t solid a transgender actor within the position.
“This isn’t the way you give illustration… a cis man pretending to be a part of a minority group simply doesn’t sit proper with me, particularly after they might’ve employed an precise trans actress,” one individual wrote on X/Twitter.
“Might they not solid an precise transgender lady… this gonna piss me off,” a second agreed. “Simply let a trans lady do it,” a 3rd mentioned.
In the meantime, one other stepped in to remind people who “it’s South Korea they usually ain’t that versatile on this trans or lgbtq thingy. The place do you need to discover a trans lady particularly within the business.”
“Whereas I get these feedback, I actually do, I simply wanna say that this discourse comes up everytime somebody performs a queer and/or trans individual. It is a Korean present (!!) that takes a tiny step ahead to exhibiting illustration. If we solely had trans and queer folks play these rolesl, we most likely wouldn’t have an enormous a part of the illustration now we have gotten in media over the past 8 many years,” a second mentioned.
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“A few of our favourite queer characters have been performed by cis folks. Although getting an precise trans actress would’ve been even higher, as a trans individual I’m excited to see this character and am trying ahead to the actor’s efficiency.”
Season two of Squid Sport premieres on Netflix on December 26.
The official description for the brand new collection states: “Three years after successful Squid Sport, Participant 456 stays decided to search out the folks behind the sport and put an finish to their vicious sport. Utilizing this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun begins with the obvious of locations: search for the person in a pointy swimsuit taking part in ddakji within the subway. However when his efforts lastly yield outcomes, the trail towards taking down the group proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to finish the sport, he must re-enter it.”