The Game Awards 2025 reveals nominees for Game of the Year

The main category of The Game Awards (TGA) 2025, the Game of the Year (GOTY), had its six nominees officially announced. The list for the biggest award in the videogame industry includes anticipated titles and indie surprises, but the absence of major releases is already generating criticism in the community.

The six games competing for the highest honor are:

CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33

Genre: RPG with art direction inspired by the French belle époque.

Also nominated for: Best Direction, Best Narrative, Best RPG and Best Indie Game.

DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH

Genre: Sequel to Hideo Kojima's work, expanding the concept of "strand game".

Also nominated for: Best Direction, Best Narrative and Best Action/Adventure Game.

DONKEY KONG BANANZA

Genre: New adventure in three dimensions with Nintendo's gorilla, where he and Pauline face a mining company in search of Banandium.

Also nominated for: Best Family Game.

HADES II

Genre: Roguelike sequel to Hades, with the dynamism and engaging narrative of its predecessor. The player controls Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld.

Also nominated for: Best Direction, Best Action Game and Best Indie Game.

HOLLOW KNIGHT: SILKSONG

Genre: Metroidvania sequel to Hollow Knight, acclaimed for its beautiful 2D art and challenging combat. The player controls Hornet.

Also nominated for: Best Action/Adventure Game and Best Indie Game.

KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE II

Genre: Epic RPG focused on historical realism in medieval Bohemia. The player continues Henry's journey.

Also nominated for: Best Narrative and Best RPG.

Despite the quality of the nominees, many players complained about the absence of notable titles in the main category. Among the games that missed out on the Game of the Year competition are Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Monster Hunter Wilds, Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, Ghost of Yōtei, Silent Hill f and Split Fiction.

Voting for the various categories is open on the official website, requiring prior registration for participation.