The Game Awards just pulled the curtain back on 2025’s most anticipated battle: the Game of the Year showdown. The stage is now set and the lineup is fierce.
Game Of The Year includes predictable powerhouses
No real shockers kicked off the list. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made the cut, as did Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. These titles have dominated headlines and fan discussions all year, and now they’re officially in the ring.
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Missing from the spotlight
Not everything made the top tier. Ghost of Yotei, Arc Raiders, and The Outer Worlds 2 were all expected contenders. Instead, they’ve been pushed into other categories. Doom: The Dark Ages and Split Fiction were also left off, despite strong receptions.
Full Game Of The Year nominee list
Here’s the full slate competing for the crown:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Death Stranding 2
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades 2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
Strong showings beyond Game Of The Year
Even if Ghost of Yotei missed the main event, it’s still in the mix. It scored nominations in seven other categories, more than enough to make waves. Meanwhile, Clair Obscur leads all games this year with twelve nominations, setting a new record for The Game Awards.
Fan votes matter, but don’t decide everything
You can cast your vote now through The Game Awards website. Still, don’t assume the popular vote seals the deal. Winners are chosen through a mix of jury panels and community input. The final results will go live on December 11.
This year’s Game of the Year race isn’t just about technical polish or big names; it’s about momentum, passion, and surprise punches. December can’t come soon enough.
While every nominee brings something unique, the absence of several fan-favorite blockbusters has sparked debate across social media. Players expected to see names like Arc Raiders or Doom: The Dark Ages get a shot at the Game of the Year crown. Instead, the awards panel leaned into games that blended innovation with emotional storytelling. It’s a reminder: critical acclaim doesn’t always translate into a main stage appearance.
