The Game Awards 2025 has revealed its nominees for categories such as Best Racing Game, Best Sports Game, and the coveted Game of the Year. This year has been outstanding for gaming. Nintendo launched the Switch 2, the successor to its beloved console and handheld hybrid, while Xbox ventured into the handheld arena with the ROG Xbox Ally.

The industry has witnessed remarkable achievements from small indie games like Blue Prince and Despelote, along with significant titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, Split Fiction, and Monster Hunter Wilds. There have also been surprising successes like ARC Raiders and Dispatch.

Only one game will claim the 2025 Game of the Year award, with six nominees in competition. Continue reading to discover how to cast your vote in The Game Awards 2025 and view the complete list of categories and nominees, ranging from best indie game to best art direction.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as the fan favorite for the 2025 Game of the Year award. Created by a small team in France, this game offers captivating turn-based combat and relatable characters, crafting one of the most emotionally resonant stories of the year. Unlike other contenders, Expedition 33 is neither a sequel nor part of an existing franchise, potentially giving it an edge among gamers.

Expedition 33 leads with 12 nominations in additional categories, including Best Art Direction and Best Narrative.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

The follow-up to Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic masterpiece, Death Stranding, is another standout narrative-focused game delving into themes of connection, sorrow, and loss. With Death Stranding 2, Helldivers 2, and Ghost of Yotei, Sony emerges as the most nominated publisher this year with a total of 19 nominations.

Death Stranding received a Game of the Year nod at The Game Awards 2019 but was outdone by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Let’s see if Kojima can secure a win this time around.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo has delivered one of the finest 3D platformers this year with Donkey Kong Bananza. The dynamic between Donkey Kong and Daisy is delightful, and the game’s inventive destruction mechanics make for a fun experience as players demolish the surroundings.

Over the years, Nintendo has garnered numerous Game of the Year nominations with titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Metroid Dread, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but has not claimed a victory since 2017 with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Hades 2

Hades was the indie darling of 2020. Its captivating roguelite gameplay, engaging characters, and striking comic-book art style enchanted players worldwide. Hades 2 brings more of what players loved but with enhancements. With improved gameplay mechanics, new areas to discover, and deities to encounter, it’s no surprise Hades 2 received a Game of the Year nomination.

Hades was up for Game of the Year in 2020 but was bested by The Last of Us Part 2. Now, it has another opportunity to win.

Hollow Knight Silksong

Alongside Hades 2 and Expedition 33, Hollow Knight Silksong rounds out the indie trifecta of nominations this year. It’s remarkable that this game saw its release this year after multiple delays, but the anticipation was worth it. Its exploration and challenging gameplay provide a rewarding experience, establishing it as one of the top 2D platformers in recent years.

Its predecessor, Hollow Knight, was nominated for Best Debut Indie Game in 2017 but lost to Cuphead. Now, its sequel has stepped into the spotlight with a Game of the Year nomination. Talk about a transformation!

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

This nomination is unexpected because, despite Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s excellence, other titles could have filled its spot. The other nominees have maintained their presence in the cultural conversation and were anticipated choices. Nonetheless, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s dedication to historical accuracy and gameplay is commendable, and its narrative is more emotionally charged than the original, marking it as an outstanding medieval simulation RPG.

The original game did not receive any nominations in previous events, so this must be an exciting moment for the developers as they achieve their first nomination at The Game Awards, especially for Game of the Year.

How to vote in The Game Awards 2025

The Game Awards 2025 will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, airing on December 11. You can cast your votes for your favorite games on The Game Awards website. Create an account and log in to begin voting. However, winners are not determined solely by public vote.

Alongside fan votes, The Game Awards features a “jury of over 100 global media and influencer outlets, chosen for their track record in critical video game assessment. Specialized juries also gather for other categories including esports, accessibility, and best adaptation.” Winners are selected through a combined vote consisting of the jury’s vote (90%) and public fan voting (10%). Fans can vote for their preferred