The waiting is over. The gaming world can finally exhale as the full list of nominees for The Game Awards 2025 has been officially unveiled, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and conversation-starting ceremonies in recent memory. While the list of contenders for categories like Best Indie Game, Best Performance, and Best Ongoing Game is filled with deserving titles, it’s the coveted Game of the Year category that has everyone talking—both for who made the cut and for the several titanic titles that, bafflingly, did not.
The six games vying for the ultimate prize this December are:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Death Stranding 2
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades 2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
This lineup represents a powerful mix of long-awaited sequels, bold new IP, and a legendary franchise revival. However, the announcement has been overshadowed by the omissions, creating what fans are already calling "the year of the snub."
The Heavy Hitters and the Heartbreaking Omissions
On the surface, the Game of the Year nominees are a who's who of 2025's critical darlings. The arthouse action of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the brutal historical realism of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and the mind-bending continuation of Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding 2 were all expected shoo-ins.
Yet, the absence of other monumental releases has left the community reeling. Where is the hell-raising, critically acclaimed Doom: The Dark Ages? The list of high-profile absentees doesn't stop there; Split Fiction, Arc Raiders, Ghost of Yotei, and The Outer Worlds 2—all of which launched to significant critical acclaim—are also missing from the top category.
The most shocking exclusion for many is Hollow Knight: Silksong. After years of anticipation, the game finally launched and met its sky-high expectations, making its absence from the Game of the Year race feel particularly jarring to its legions of fans.
In a post that has since gone viral, The Game Awards creator and host Geoff Keighley acknowledged the heated discussions, simply stating, "The debate is underway."
The debate is underway.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) May 16, 2025
Silver Linings and Dominant Forces
While some games missed the top prize, their excellence was recognized elsewhere. Ghost of Yotei, for instance, may not be up for Game of the Year, but Sucker Punch's samurai epic secured a staggering seven nominations in other categories. This almost guarantees that the studio will not walk away empty-handed from the December ceremony.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The breakout hit has made history by securing a record-breaking twelve nominations, the most any single game has ever received in The Game Awards' history. From art direction and score to narrative and performance, the game is positioned as the undeniable front-runner.
Another fascinating storyline is the success of Hades 2. The supergiant sequel has proven its might by outperforming Xbox's biggest exclusives to claim its spot, proving that razor-sharp gameplay and compelling characters can go toe-to-toe with any blockbuster budget.
How to Cast Your Vote and What Comes Next
The power to influence the outcome is now partially in the hands of the players. Fans can now head to The Game Awards' official website to vote for their favorites in every category. It's important to remember, however, that the fan vote counts for 10% of the final result, with the remaining 90% being decided by a global jury of over 100 leading media and influencer outlets.
The stage is set for an unforgettable night. With a nominee list brimming with quality, historic achievements, and controversial exclusions, the 2025 Game Awards promises to be a ceremony full of drama and celebration.
The winners will be revealed live on December 11. Mark your calendars.