As I write this I'm aware of the fact that for many the news that a BAFTA ceremony even exists for video games is surprising and, indeed, this is just one indication of the fact that video gaming still has a long way to go before it is treated as seriously as other entertainment mediums such as cinema and TV (i.e. until it loses the 'teenage boy geek' stigma which, though diminishing in the era of the Wii and the multi-billion pound worth of the gaming sector, still persists somewhat).
However, the fact that a BAFTA ceremony does now exist for games is also evidence of how far gaming has come in this respect over the past decade, and a sign of even better things to come one hopes.
So in light of all the hard work that went into getting to the stage where the British Academy of Film and Television recognises gaming in such a way, here's a hearty well done from me not just for the winners of the awards but indeed all those whose work has ensured that gaming is finally receiving a greater degree of mainstream respectability as entertainment (and even, dare I say it, artistic achievement?).
If you missed the awards, there is a full write-up of the ceremony available on the BAFTA website, along with some great videos of winners' acceptance speeches as well as a special feature on Shigeru Miyamoto, winner of the fellowship award for 2010. Again, many might be surprised that the ceremony was fairly star-studded with media celebrities of all backgrounds - once again testament to the event's success in bringing gaming that little bit closer to the entertainment mainstream.
That's all - I won't spoil the surprises of the winners for you, simply enjoy the video highlights (which include some pretty decent comic offerings from tv-comedian and host Dara O'Briain).
Dejan Levi
