While it won't be another year before we see the judges of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) weigh in their votes for the best video games of 2009, the group has already confirmed a place and date for the upcoming event - the London Park Lane Hilton on March 10, 2009.

This year's Games Awards ceremony was purposely delayed due to difficulties with the panel of judges and the various unreleased titles which were included in the awards. However, it's return next year will usher in winners across thirteen categories, three awards for special recognition, and the Dare to be Digital student competition.

In addition, the upcoming event will allow publishers and developers to produce short films detailing the making of their respective games, something to entice the viewers and give them an idea of the creation process. Nominations for the awards will be announced on February 10 of next year.

Committee chairman Ray Maguire had this to say regarding the 2009 Games Awards:

We are keen to see the new filmed support material be developed by each nominee, as this is the sort of initiative that helps the wider world understand that the creation and development of video games is an art form, often with teams of hundreds of people and budgets on a par with feature films.

One of the many strengths of the British Academy Video Games Awards is that the focus is on creativity and innovation as opposed to a simple measure of commercial success. This enables niche but highly creative work to be recognised and rewarded.

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