Discover the full list of The Game Awards 2025 nominees, including game of the year contenders, voting details, and the latest industry news. Stay ahead with updates on the most anticipated event in gaming.

    Game Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Gaming

    The Game Awards 2025 have arrived with more excitement than ever. This year’s ceremony brings bold nominations, surprises, and the most competitive race for Game of the Year yet. Industry leaders, developers, and fans eagerly anticipate the results.​

    Key Details for the 2025 Event

    • The event takes place on December 11 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre.
    • Voting is now live for every major category.
    • Viewership has shattered records, reaching over 154 million gaming enthusiasts globally.​

    Game of the Year Nominees 2025

    Game of the Year is the most coveted award at The Game Awards. Here are this year’s outstanding nominees:

    Game of the Year Nominees 2025

    Game of the Year is the most coveted award at The Game Awards. Here are this year’s outstanding nominees:

    Game of the Year Nominees 2025. Credit: Twistedvoxel
    TitleDeveloper/PublisherGenre
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive / Kepler InteractiveFantasy RPG
    Death Stranding 2: On the BeachKojima Productions / Sony InteractiveAction Adventure
    Donkey Kong BonanzaNintendo EPD / NintendoPlatformer
    Hades IISupergiant GamesRoguelike
    Hollow Knight: SilksongTeam CherryMetroidvania
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIWarhorse Studios / Deep SilverRPG

    Each game offers a unique experience and has garnered significant praise throughout the year. This selection highlights the best in storytelling, gameplay, and innovation.

    Death Stranding 2, starring Norman Reedus, picked up where its 2020 prequel left off
    Death Stranding 2, starring Norman Reedus, picked up where its 2020 prequel left off. Credit: BBC
    Hades 2 was the well-received follow-up to the 2020 smash-hit set in the Greek underworld
    Hades 2 was the well-received follow-up to the 2020 smash-hit set in the Greek underworld. Credit: BBC

    Spotlight on Hades II: GOTY Contender

    Hades II stands out among the Game Awards nominees. Developed by Supergiant Games, this roguelike has impressed fans and critics alike. Its engaging combat and emotional story provide an unforgettable adventure. Will Hades II claim the top prize and be crowned Game of the Year 2025?

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Leads Nominations

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the most nominated title this year, earning 12 nods, including Best Game Direction and Best Art Direction. Its blend of fantasy elements and memorable performances, especially from Charlie Cox and Ben Starr, has made a powerful impact.​

    Game Awards Nominations by Category

    Other top categories include:

    • Best Game Direction: Highlights innovation and creativity.​
      Best Art Direction: Rewards visual excellence.​
    • Best Art Direction: Rewards visual excellence.​
    • Best Performance: Celebrates standout acting in games, including performances by Charlie Cox and Troy Baker.​
    • Best Narrative: Honors compelling storytelling and writing.​
    • Best Independent Game: Spotlights smaller studios and creative projects like Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
    Kingdom Come - Deliverance 2 tells a tale set in Medieval Europe
    Kingdom Come - Deliverance 2 tells a tale set in Medieval Europe. Credit: BBC

    Xbox and Nintendo Dominate the 2025 Nominee List

    Xbox and Nintendo are key players this year. Console exclusives such as Donkey Kong Bonanza and Ninja Gaiden 4 received multiple nominations. Xbox Game Pass allows gamers to try many of these nominees.

    TheGameAwards Voting: How to Participate

    Fans shape TheGameAwards by casting votes for their favorites. To vote:

    • Visit the official Game Awards website.
    • Sign in using your preferred account.
    • Vote for your top picks across all categories.

    Your vote determines the winners and can change the outcome for GOTY nominees 2025.

    Oh, banana! Donkey Kong Bananza! was a key title in this year's Nintendo Switch 2 line-up
    Oh, banana! Donkey Kong Bananza! was a key title in this year's Nintendo Switch 2 line-up. Credit: BBC
    Hollow Knight Silksong has been described as the GTA of indie games due to its long development and fevered fan anticipation
    Hollow Knight Silksong has been described as the GTA of indie games due to its long development and fevered fan anticipation. Credit: BBC

    Latest News: Viewership Records and Surprises

    • The Game Awards 2025 have shattered previous viewership records, with more than 154 million people tuning in globally.
    • This year features new accessibility nominations, recognizing games that prioritize inclusivity.
    • A Minecraft Movie, based on the beloved game, was nominated for Best Adaptation.​

    The Most Anticipated Games of 2026

    Looking beyond The Game Awards 2025, fans already buzz about upcoming titles:

    • 007 First Light
    • Grand Theft Auto VI
    • Marvel’s Wolverine
    • Resident Evil Requiem
    • The Witcher IV

    These games are likely to be nominated for future game awards.

    Hot Topics: GOTY Snubs and Surprises

    Fans express shock at notable snubs from this year’s nominations. Some expected favorites missed out, sparking debate and intrigue in gaming communities.

    How Games are Nominated: The Process

    Game Awards nominations rely on a panel of international media and experts. Industry professionals and critics evaluate games on innovation, performance, and overall impact. Developers submit their work, and nominees are carefully chosen based on strict quality standards.

    Importance of The Game Awards for Gamers

    The Game Awards bring recognition to creative and talented teams. Winning a Game of the Year award can boost sales, attract new fans, and inspire future innovation. Studios spend years crafting masterpieces for a chance to reach this stage.

    The Game Awards 2025 — What’s Next?

    As anticipation builds, fans continue voting and debating which title will take home the Game of the Year crown. The Game Awards 2025 promises surprises during the ceremony. Follow the latest news on social media with hashtags like #gameawards #thegameawards #goty.

    Stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and insider coverage. Whether you’re rooting for Hades II, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, or another blockbuster, every vote counts. The world will soon know which title will be remembered as the Game of the Year 2025.

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