Could The Game Awards Nominate Two Indie Games for Game of the Year?
Indie Games Poised to Shine at The Game Awards 2025
Indie Games Breakthrough at The Game Awards
The Game Awards has long been a challenging arena for indie games, with none ever clinching the prestigious Game of the Year (GOTY) title. However, the landscape seems set for a change in 2025, as games like “Hades 2” and “Hollow Knight: Silksong” are strong contenders expected to make a significant impact.
Hades 2: A Strong Game of the Year Contender
“Hades 2,” developed by Supergiant Games, recently emerged from early access, earning a commendable score of 93 on Metacritic and OpenCritic. The game’s critical acclaim mirrors the success of its predecessor, bolstering its chances for a GOTY nomination. The support it has received could also address the perceived oversight from the 2020 awards when the original “Hades” narrowly missed the title.
Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Impactful Reception
Team Cherry’s “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” although met with mixed reactions due to its difficult gameplay, boasts an impressive review score of 92. Its remarkable launch, following seven years of anticipation, has catapulted it to commercial success, with an estimated 3.2 million copies sold on Steam. The game’s peak concurrent player count of 587,150 further highlights its popularity.
The Indie Game Awards Landscape in 2025
The anticipated nominations of “Hades 2” and “Hollow Knight: Silksong” could mark a pivotal shift in The Game Awards’ attitude towards indie titles. Historically, only five games have ever been nominated in both the GOTY and Best Independent Game categories. However, the confluence of two high-profile indie sequels releasing in the same year could challenge this trend.
The Potential for a Third Indie Game Nomination
Despite the strong cases for these two games, there is speculation regarding a potential third indie contender. A game like “Blue Prince,” although less known, is highly acclaimed and could demonstrate the jury’s adventurous taste. Nonetheless, such a venture might still be a long shot.
A New Era for Independent Games at The Game Awards
This anticipated shift suggests a broader acceptance of indie games within the industry. The looming presence of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” a non-mainstream game from a first-time developer, further indicates a move towards diverse gaming experiences. With AAA production declining, indie games are increasingly becoming significant, potentially altering perceptions and paving the way for future recognition at industry award ceremonies.
