In December 2025, the video game industry will once again take center stage as the annual Game Awards ceremony honors the year’s best games. Organizers have already unveiled the list of nominees, and this year the competition promises to be especially fierce. For the first time in the award’s history, one project has received a record number of nominations, drawing immediate attention from both experts and fans.
Records and favorites: this year’s biggest standouts
At the heart of the discussion is the role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, created by the small French studio Sandfall Interactive. The title racked up 12 nominations—an all-time record for the Game Awards. The developers managed to blend the Belle Époque atmosphere with dark fantasy elements and an unconventional combat system, which did not go unnoticed by the jury. Following behind are Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei, each vying for seven awards—an impressive feat in itself.
In the ‘Game of the Year’ category, six titles will compete for the top trophy, featuring both sequels to iconic franchises and exciting newcomers. The shortlist includes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Each of these games has already built a devoted following and sparked lively debate within the professional community.
Genre diversity and emerging trends
The organizers have expanded the number of categories to 29 to cover all key areas of the modern gaming industry. This year, special attention has been given not only to traditional genres but also to innovation, technical achievements, and community contributions. The ‘Action’ category features prominent titles like Battlefield 6, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Ninja Gaiden 4. In the ‘Adventure’ section, standouts include Ghost of Yotei and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Role-playing games are represented by Avowed, Monster Hunter Wilds, and The Outer Worlds 2. In the ‘Family Game’ category, Donkey Kong Bananza, Lego Party!, and Mario Kart World are vying for the win. Strategies are also in the spotlight, with Sid Meier’s Civilization VII and Jurassic World Evolution 3 among the contenders. In the sports categories, EA Sports FC 26 and F1 25 are unsurprisingly in the lead.
Technical achievements and indie projects
This year, the jury placed special emphasis on technical aspects: categories for best sound design, art direction, and soundtrack gathered some of the most outstanding projects. Notable composers include Christopher Larkin (Hollow Knight: Silksong) and Woodkid (Death Stranding 2: On the Beach). In the ‘Best Performance’ category, actors were recognized whose work has set new industry standards.
Independent studios were also in the spotlight. The ‘Best Indie Debut’ category features Blue Prince, Despelote, and Megabonk. The ‘Game for Social Impact’ category highlights projects addressing important contemporary issues. For the first time, a separate award will be given exclusively based on viewer voting, adding intrigue and giving unexpected favorites a chance.
The diversity of the awards and players’ expectations
Game Awards 2025 covers not only console and PC games, but also mobile projects, VR/AR solutions, and adaptations of popular franchises. Among the most anticipated releases of the coming year are Grand Theft Auto VI, The Witcher IV, and Resident Evil Requiem. In the esports category, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and League of Legends are competing for the title of best discipline.
Fans have already started actively voting for their favorites, while experts are making predictions about the results. Who will take the top prize and who will be left in the shadows will be revealed on December 11. One thing is certain: no one will remain indifferent to the outcome, as the Game Awards has long become the main event for everyone following the gaming industry.
