Video games BAFTAs shift focus to become consumer show

BAFTA will introduce a new format for its video games awards next year that will make the ceremony a more consumer-focused event.

The general public will now be able to attend when the awards return on Wednesday, March 12th, 2014.

The show will be hosted once again by comedian and avid gamer Dara O’Briain, this time at the new venue of Tobacco Dock London.

Entrants who submit their game before Monday, October 21st will receive a free nomination for their first title. All nominations will be paid for after November 11th.

"I am delighted to return for my sixth year as host of the BAFTA Games Awards," said O’Briain. "This year the awards move into a new venue and a new level, to celebrate an industry which has quietly taken its place as the largest entertainment industry in the world.

"It’s a pleasure to loudly sing the praises of the talented teams, many of them UK-based, who bring such excitement, story and spectacle to our phones, computers and homes. 

"I’d tell you more, but frankly these zombies aren’t going to kill themselves."

Harvey Elliott, chairman of BAFTA’s games committee added: "The BAFTA Games Awards have consistently celebrated the amazing achievements of the creative teams within games.

"The new venue of Tobacco Dock and the welcome addition of public access to the event will enable us to showcase the talent and excellence of our industry to a whole new passionate gamer audience."