The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as The Game Awards 2025 has officially announced its full list of nominees. Industry experts and fans alike are hailing this as one of the most spectacular years in the history of video games, marked by groundbreaking hardware and an incredible lineup of software that spans all genres.
A New Era of Gaming Hardware
This landmark year was significantly shaped by the arrival of powerful new gaming devices. Nintendo set the stage with the highly anticipated launch of the Switch 2, the direct successor to its wildly popular hybrid console. Not to be outdone, Xbox made a strategic entry into the portable market with the ROG Xbox Ally, offering players unprecedented flexibility. These innovations pushed developers to explore new frontiers in performance and creative design, raising the bar for the entire industry.
Indie Gems and Blockbuster Titans Share the Stage
The software lineup for 2025 was exceptionally diverse, proving that great games come in all sizes. Beloved indie titles such as Blue Prince, Despelote, and the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 captured the hearts of players. Meanwhile, major franchises delivered the blockbuster magic everyone expects, with huge releases like Doom: The Dark Ages, Split Fiction, and Monster Hunter Wilds. The year was further electrified by late surprises ARC Raiders and Dispatch, which quickly gained massive traction.
The Prestigious Game of the Year Battle
All eyes are on the coveted Game of the Year category, which features six stellar nominees. Leading the charge is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which stunned everyone by securing an impressive 12 nominations, thanks to its emotional narrative and refined turn-based combat system. The visionary Hideo Kojima is back in the spotlight with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The competition is rounded out by other heavyweights: Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
How You Can Make Your Vote Count
Fans worldwide have the power to influence the outcome. You can cast your votes for your favourite games by visiting the official The Game Awards website. The process is simple: create a free account and make your selections across all categories. However, it is important to know that the fan vote constitutes 10% of the final result. The remaining 90% is determined by a distinguished jury comprising over 100 global media publications and influencer outlets, all recognized for their deep expertise in gaming.
The grand ceremony is scheduled for December 11 at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will be live-streamed for a global audience. Beyond the top prize, The Game Awards 2025 will honour excellence in numerous areas including game design, art direction, performance, music, and accessibility. Categories like Best Multiplayer and Games for Impact highlight the incredible diversity and creativity of the modern gaming industry.
