British Academy Video Game Awards - categories and explanations

ACTION & ADVENTURE
For games that are predominantly action, adventure or a combination of the two genres. This category includes RPGs.

ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT
For achievement in visual art and animation across all genres.

BEST GAME
For the year’s best game.

CASUAL
For games which are played casually, or on a more social basis. This would include puzzle games, music games, DVD games, social networking site-based games, card games and board games playable on a home computer or console.

GAMEPLAY
The ability of a game to captivate and engage a user’s attention and provide a truly compelling experience.

HANDHELD - - NEW CATEGORY - -
This is for any game across any handheld device. This would include mobile phones, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS and Nintendo GBA.

MULTIPLAYER
For games or game modes which enable two or more players to interact simultaneously in a game world, either co-operatively or competitively. Includes MMOs and small-number multiplayer modes of single-player games.

ORIGINAL SCORE
Rewarding excellence in original composition and production for a music score which significantly enhances the gaming experience.

SPORTS
For games that emulate the playing of traditional or fictional sports.

STORY & CHARACTER
For achievement in conveying compelling and original storylines and characterisation.

STRATEGY
For games that have a high degree of strategic elements where gameplay is centred around decision-making skills. Includes management simulations, life simulations and real-time strategy games.

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
For outstanding exploitation of a platform’s technology.

USE OF AUDIO
Rewarding excellence in the design and creative application of sound, dialogue, licensed music tracks and original score, combined to deliver an exceptional audio experience.

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