Sega’s sci-fi horror game is up for five awards, with Far Cry 4, Monument Valley and Mario Kart 8 all figuring highly

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

In space no one can hear you scream, but will they hear you celebrate? Sega’s critically acclaimed sci-fi chiller Alien: Isolation, based on the 1979 Ridley Scott movie, has picked up the highest number of nominations for this year’s Bafta video game awards, earning recognition in the audio achievement, best game, British game, game design, game innovation and music categories.

British Academy Games Awards – the full nominations list Read more

Behind it, Ubisoft’s open world action adventure Far Cry 4 and Ustwo’s beautiful smartphone puzzler Monument Valley both received five nominations, while Mario Kart 8, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, 80 Days and Destiny are up for four awards each.

The 2015 Baftas will also be introducing two new awards for original property and persistent game. The latter recognises a growing number of titles that feature online multiplayer worlds. Activision’s sci-fi epic Destiny, the space combat sim Eve Online and the battle arena title League of Legends are among the nominees.

In the best game category, Alien: Isolation faces stiff competition from Destiny, Monument Valley, Mario Kart 8 and the role-playing fantasy titles Dragon Age: Inquisition and Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor.

The actor Kevin Spacey – winner of a Golden Globe for the TV drama House of Cards in 2013 and twice Academy Award winner – is up for his first video game Bafta, for his performance as a despotic private military contractor in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.

In all, 51 games are recognised across 17 categories. And while major triple A titles dominate in key categories, the list includes dozens of titles from the independent sector, including Lumino City by London studio State of Play (Artistic Achievement, British Game and Game Innovation) and the haunting adventure The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (game innovation, original property, debut game).

Bafta is also continuing its “ones to watch” award, which recognises student game developers. Three titles are competing for this potentially career-changing accolade: Don’t Walk: Run, Chambara and Sagittarius.

The Bafta video game awards place on 12 March in London, with the comedian and actor Rufus Hound hosting for the first time.