Every December, Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards transforms into the Oscars of gaming, a night where developers, players, and critics converge to celebrate the year’s most impactful titles. For 2025, the Game of the Year category is particularly electrifying, featuring six nominees that span genres, cultures, and creative visions. Let’s dive into each contender, their standout features, and how the gaming community has responded.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive’s French fantasy RPG has taken the industry by storm. With turn-based combat infused with painterly visuals, it feels like a living canvas. Its narrative, steeped in surreal French absurdism, has been praised for blending cultural identity with deep mechanics.
- Community reaction: Players admire its originality, calling it “a JRPG with a French soul.” Many highlight its parry system and emotional storytelling. Some skeptics worry about pacing, but overall, it’s seen as the year’s most daring experiment.
Hades II
Supergiant Games returns with a sequel to one of the most beloved roguelikes ever. This time, players step into the shoes of Melinoë, daughter of Hades, battling through Greek myth with fluid combat and endless replayability.
- Community reaction: Fans gush about its addictive loop, calling it “roguelike perfection.” The art style and voice acting continue to win hearts, while critics note how it expands on the original without losing its charm.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
After years of anticipation, Team Cherry finally delivered. Silksong builds on the Metroidvania formula with faster combat, vertical exploration, and hauntingly beautiful environments.
- Community reaction: The Hollow Knight fanbase is ecstatic, with many saying it was worth the wait. “Silksong is everything we dreamed of,” one player wrote. Some debate whether it innovates enough, but few deny its polish and artistry.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Hideo Kojima’s sequel continues his unique blend of cinematic storytelling and unconventional gameplay. This time, the narrative explores oceans, isolation, and human connection, with breathtaking visuals and a star-studded cast.
- Community reaction: Kojima fans are enthralled, praising its ambition and emotional depth. Others remain divided, calling it “a masterpiece or a pretentious movie disguised as a game.” Regardless, it sparks conversation like no other.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo’s revival of Donkey Kong is a joyous celebration of platforming. With colorful worlds, inventive mechanics, and multiplayer chaos, it’s a family-friendly contender that still challenges hardcore players.
- Community reaction: Nostalgia runs high. Fans love the return of DK’s humor and charm, calling it “pure fun.” Some critics argue it lacks the depth of other nominees, but its accessibility makes it a crowd favorite.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Warhorse Studios continues its quest for medieval realism. Deliverance II offers historical accuracy, brutal combat, and immersive role-playing in a world that feels authentically lived-in.
- Community reaction: Players praise its dedication to realism, saying it’s “the closest thing to living in medieval Europe.” Some find the mechanics unforgiving, but fans argue that’s part of its authenticity.
The Community Pulse
Across forums, social media, and streaming platforms, debates rage on.
- Indie supporters rally behind Clair Obscur and Silksong, seeing them as proof that smaller studios can rival giants.
- Narrative enthusiasts lean toward Death Stranding 2, captivated by Kojima’s cinematic vision.
- Gameplay purists split between Hades II’s roguelike mastery and Kingdom Come II’s realism.
- Casual players and families cheer for Donkey Kong Bananza, valuing joy and accessibility.
This diversity of opinion reflects the richness of 2025’s gaming landscape.
The Final Showdown
As the lights dim and the envelope is opened, gamers everywhere will be holding their breath. Will it be the indie darling, the roguelike champion, the long-awaited sequel, the cinematic odyssey, the nostalgic platformer, or the medieval epic? One thing’s for sure—when the winner is announced, Twitter will explode, Reddit will argue, and every gamer will have an opinion. The only question left is: whose victory dance will we be watching on stage?