Game of the Year 2025 Contenders
Six major titles compete for the ultimate Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2025. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II represent the year's most acclaimed gaming experiences across different genres and platforms.
Each nominee brings distinct qualities to the competition. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demonstrates strength across multiple categories with nominations in Best RPG and Best Narrative, suggesting broad critical acclaim. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach showcases excellence in audio design and action-adventure gameplay, while Hades II represents the indie gaming sector's continued innovation and quality.
Major Award Categories and Nominees
Beyond Game of the Year, The Game Awards 2025 features specialized categories recognizing different gaming disciplines. Best RPG nominees include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come Deliverance II, Monster Hunter Wilds, Lies of P Overture, and Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered. Best Action Game contenders feature Hades II, Doom The Dark Ages, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.
Best Action-Adventure Game nominees showcase Death Stranding 2, Donkey Kong Bananza, Split Fiction, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Ghost of Yotei. The Best Indie Game category highlights Expedition 33, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Blue Prince, and Absolum. Best Multiplayer Game features Arc Raiders, Battlefield 6, Split Fiction, Mario Kart World, and Elden Ring Nightreign, reflecting the diversity of competitive and cooperative gaming experiences.
Ceremony Details and Viewing Information
The Game Awards 2025 ceremony streams live on December 11, 2025, across all major platforms including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Steam, and Amazon Prime Video. This multi-platform approach ensures global accessibility for audiences worldwide, regardless of their preferred streaming service.
The event continues The Game Awards' tradition as the industry's most comprehensive recognition platform, celebrating game developers, voice actors, composers, and technical achievements. Hosted by industry veteran Geoff Keighley, the ceremony combines award announcements with exclusive game reveals and announcements, making it a significant event for both industry professionals and gaming enthusiasts.