Game Awards 2025: GOTY Predictions and Nominee Early Favorites
The stage is already being set for the biggest night in gaming. As the industry looks toward the end of the year, the conversation is heating up around one central question: which title will take home the coveted Game of the Year trophy? The Game Awards has officially been dated for December 11, 2025, and while the official nominations are still months away, the front-runners are beginning to emerge from a year packed with incredible releases.
Based on critical buzz, player anticipation, and blockbuster launches, the race for Game of the Year 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Here’s our early analysis of the games leading the charge and the potential nominees across all major categories.
The Race for Game of the Year 2025 Begins
To be considered a Game of the Year contender, a title needs to deliver a masterful experience, pushing the boundaries of gameplay, narrative, and technical achievement. This year, several games have already established themselves as powerful candidates, each with a unique claim to the top prize.
Early GOTY Front-Runners:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: This stunning turn-based RPG captured the imagination of players with its breathtaking art style inspired by the Belle Époque era of France. Its unique real-time mechanics woven into a turn-based combat system, combined with a dark and compelling narrative, make it a powerful artistic and technical statement.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: Hideo Kojima’s follow-up to his ambitious 2019 title is poised to be a major contender. Promising to expand on the unique world and "strand" genre mechanics, the sequel aims to deliver an even grander, more emotionally resonant journey. Its cinematic quality and star-studded cast alone make it a heavyweight in the competition.
- Hades 2: Following up a universally beloved Game of the Year winner is no easy task, but Supergiant Games appears to have done the impossible. By building upon the flawless combat and compelling narrative loops of the original, Hades 2 has already earned widespread acclaim during its early access period for its deeper mechanics and new protagonist, Melinoë.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: Perhaps the most anticipated indie game of all time, the arrival of Silksong would almost certainly guarantee it a spot in the GOTY conversation. The original game is a modern classic, and the sequel’s promise of a new kingdom, a new hero, and expanded acrobatic combat has kept the community buzzing for years. Its release would be a monumental event.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Building on the hardcore, historically-grounded RPG mechanics of the original, this sequel promises a larger, more reactive world. Its dedication to realism and deep role-playing systems offers a distinct experience that could easily capture the attention of the voting jury.
Beyond GOTY: Contenders in Other Major Categories
The Game of the Year award may be the ultimate prize, but dozens of other categories celebrate the diverse artistry of game development. Many of the GOTY front-runners are also likely to see nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Game Direction.
For Best Art Direction, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 seems like a guaranteed nominee for its painterly, surrealist aesthetic. In the Best Narrative category, the cinematic storytelling of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will be a formidable opponent against the deeply integrated lore and character development of Hades 2.
The race for Best Independent Game will be fierce, with titles like Hades 2 and, if released in time, Hollow Knight: Silksong, leading the pack. We also anticipate a number of smaller, breakout indie hits to fill out a category that consistently showcases the industry's most creative projects.
The Esports Arena: Honoring the Competitive Scene
The Game Awards also dedicates a significant portion of its show to celebrating the global phenomenon of esports. While the competitive year is still unfolding, we can predict which games and players will likely be in the running for these prestigious awards.
- Best Esports Game: This category will see perennial titans like Valorant, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2 competing for the top spot. The award often recognizes the game with the most vibrant professional scene, balanced gameplay, and engaging developer support throughout the year.
- Best Esports Athlete: This is a celebration of individual skill and dominance. We expect to see top players from across the biggest games—from tactical shooter prodigies to MOBA legends—vying for the title.
- Best Esports Team: Recognizing strategic excellence and consistent performance, this award honors the organization that has demonstrated unparalleled success across multiple tournaments and leagues during the 2025 season.
- Best Esports Event: From massive stadium finals to record-breaking world championships, this award celebrates the production, viewership, and sheer spectacle of the year's most memorable competitive gaming tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is The Game Awards 2025?
The Game Awards 2025 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
When will the official 2025 nominees be announced?
An exact date has not yet been confirmed, but the nominations for The Game Awards are typically revealed to the public in mid-November, about one month before the main event.
How can I vote for The Game Awards?
Once the official nominees are announced in November, public voting will open on the official website of The Game Awards. The fan vote is combined with the jury's vote to determine the winners in most categories.
Which games are eligible for The Game Awards 2025?
To be eligible, a game must have been released for public consumption on or before the cutoff date, which is typically in mid-November of 2025. This ensures that titles released late in the year still have an opportunity to be considered.