Game of the Year 2025 Nominees Revealed by The Game Awards

The nominees for the Game of the Year (GOTY) 2025, presented by The Game Awards, have been announced. This year’s list features a strong showing from independent games, reflecting the vibrant landscape of the industry.

GOTY 2025 Nominees Overview

The nominees for Game of the Year include:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Hades 2
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 topped the nominations with a remarkable 12 nods across 10 categories. Its success underlines its critical acclaim within the gaming community.

Voting and Ceremony Details

Voting for the Game of the Year is now open and will continue until December 10. Fans can cast their votes for their favorite titles. The Game Awards will be streamed live on December 11 at 7:30 p.m. EST/4:30 p.m. PST.

Other Notable Categories

Besides the Game of the Year, various categories feature prominent entries:

• Best Art Direction: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hades 2
• Best Audio Design: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Battlefield 6, Silent Hill f
• Best Narrative: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
• Best Performance: Jennifer English, Ben Starr, and Charlie Cox for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Independent Game Recognition

This year’s nominees recognize indie titles significantly, showcasing innovative gameplay and storytelling. Other independent games nominated include Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, which continue to push boundaries in their genres.

Summary of GOTY 2025 Nominees

The unofficial voting period is set to highlight fan favorites and industry standards alike. As the ceremony approaches, excitement continues to build around the potential winners of the Game of the Year 2025.