The Game of the Year nominees 2025 were officially announced on November 17, 2025, and the shortlist includes six standout titles that dominated discussion across the industry. The nominees are Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
Why These Nominees Matter
Each Game of the Year nominee reflects a major trend of 2025: narrative-driven design, deep single-player experiences, and a revival of high-quality indie craftsmanship alongside big studio releases. The Game Awards shortlist is the industry’s most influential indicator of what critics and players considered the best of the year.
The Official 2025 Game of the Year Nominees
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: a turn-based RPG with innovative real-time dodge mechanics; the most-nominated title this year.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: a high-profile narrative-driven sequel.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: Switch 2’s flagship family and party game.
- Hades II: the widely anticipated sequel to Supergiant’s acclaimed roguelike.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: the long-awaited sequel to the beloved indie metroidvania.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: a historically grounded RPG focused on realism and immersion.
Snapshot: Who’s Leading the Nominations
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 led all nominees with twelve total nominations, making it the most recognized game of 2025. Its dominance shows clear critical momentum, suggesting it may be the frontrunner for the ultimate award.
What to Watch in the GOTY Race
Design Strengths to Consider
- Narrative and worldbuilding: Death Stranding 2 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II both emphasize narrative depth.
- Gameplay innovation: Clair Obscur’s blend of turn-based strategy with real-time dodging stands out as a major evolution in tactical RPGs.
- Indie vs AAA craft: Silksong represents indie artistry at the highest level, while Donkey Kong Bananza brings polished, accessible AAA design.
Community and Awards Momentum
Games that receive broad recognition across multiple award categories usually build strong momentum leading into the final winner reveal. This gives Clair Obscur a noticeable edge, though Hades II and Silksong remain strong fan favorites.
Event Timing and Voting
The Game Awards ceremony will take place on December 11, 2025, when one of these six nominees will officially be crowned Game of the Year. Fans should watch for announcements regarding voting opportunities and final presentations.
Quick Comparison: Strengths of Each Nominee
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: deep tactical systems and the most nominations of the year.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: cinematic storytelling and auteur-driven direction.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: broad family appeal and strong platform-specific performance.
- Hades II: fast, replayable combat and inherited goodwill from the original Hades.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: admired for its artistic precision and challenging design.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: realistic systems that expand on historical RPG depth.
Closing Thoughts
The Game of the Year nominees 2025 highlight just how diverse and ambitious this year has been for gaming. From the artistic precision of Silksong and the tactical innovation of Expedition 33 to the narrative depth in Death Stranding 2 and the family-friendly polish of Donkey Kong Bananza, each title represents a different strength shaping the industry. As the December 11 ceremony approaches, all eyes are on which game will ultimately claim the top honor. Whether you’re rooting for an indie masterpiece or a blockbuster sequel, this lineup proves that 2025 delivered some of the most memorable experiences in recent years.
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