Australia was well represented at the BAFTA Game Awards in London on Thursday night, with Witch Beam collecting two nods for “Unpacking.”
The game, developed by the Brisbane-based studio, allows users to create living spaces by pulling possessions out of boxes and into new homes.
Witch Beam’s co-founder, Tim Dawson, and co-creator, Wren Brier, were at the ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank, to collect the awards for best narrative and EE Game of the Year. “Unpacking” also won Australian Game of the Year and Eurogamer’s Game of the Year in 2021.
“It is such an honour to receive two BAFTA awards for our game “Unpacking,” said Dawson, “which was proudly made in Queensland with a small team, but now stands on the world stage.
“Like many games, “Unpacking” represents years of dedication and hard work, and we strived to create a game that was both personal and had something to say, so we are overjoyed that it has been recognised and celebrated here in London.
“It feels incredible to attend an event like this alongside so many talented and inspiring creators we can call our peers. We hope our BAFTA wins are both seen as a reflection of the great work coming out of Australia but also as a sign that games like “Unpacking”, that chose not to follow conventional structures, can succeed at the highest levels.”
“Unpacking” was supported by Screen Queensland during its development in 2018, and again in 2019 to exhibit at PAX Melbourne.
Kylie Munnich, Screen Queenland’s CEO, congratulated Witch Beam.
“This BAFTA is yet another addition to a long list of awards for “Unpacking”… Screen Queensland has proudly supported games since 2015, and our support in the games sector has increased significantly this year via our Games Incentive – the most competitive in Australia.”
Munnich also hinted at some imminent and “exciting changes” to its funding program for games.
The BAFTA Games Awards are an annual British awards ceremony honouring “outstanding creative achievement” in the video game industry. View the full list of 2022 winners here.