Mark your calendars: the 2025 Game Awards are locked in for December 11 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, streaming worldwide. On November 17, the organisers dropped the official list of nominees – and there are some surprises, record-makers, and strong contenders to keep an eye on.
Let’s walk through the highlights, what they mean for gamers, and how you can cast your vote.
Big News & Standout Trends
One game in particular has taken the spotlight: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has garnered 12 nominations, the most ever in the show’s history. That alone marks 2025 as a breakthrough year for indie or less-traditional blockbuster titles. Following behind, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei each received eight nominations, while Hades II picked up six, and Hollow Knight: Silksong secured five.
Another noteworthy trend: subscription platforms like Xbox Game Pass are more present than ever. For instance, Game Pass titles made strong showings, reinforcing how digital access models are influencing awards and recognition.
Also, beyond blockbuster “Game of the Year” nominations, the awards include a wide spread of categories – Best Art Direction, Best Performance, Best Mobile Game, Best Accessibility, Most Anticipated Game, and more. There are 29 categories in total this year.
Game of the Year Nominees: Who’s in the Running?
Here are the six games nominated for Game of the Year (GOTY):
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
What does this list tell us?
- A mix of genres: indie, AAA, adventure, action-deep.
- Legacy franchises (Donkey Kong) still matter, but they’re sharing space with bold newcomers.
- Players watching for “unexpected winner” moments should keep an eye on the underdog titles.
How You Can Get Involved
The Game Awards team has opened public voting right after nominations dropped. If you’re a gamer who likes to have a say, now’s your moment.
Here’s what to do:
- Head to the official site of The Game Awards (or associated streaming platforms) and look for the voting section.
- Check categories you care about (GOTY, Best Indie, Best Performance, etc.), follow the links, sign in if needed, and cast your vote.
- Share with friends – community impact matters. The more people participate, the bigger your voice.
- On December 11, tune in live for winners, new game trailers, and announcements.
Final Thoughts
The Game Awards 2025 nominations spell one thing clearly: gaming in 2025 is broad, diverse, and evolving. From genre-blenders to indie trailblazers, the window of what counts as “top game” is wider than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard competitive gamer, a casual explorer, or someone who just loves doing “one more level,” this year’s list has something for you.
Cast your vote, pick your favourites, and be ready for an award show full of surprises.