The Game Awards 2025 Full Nominee Lineup
Each December, The Game Awards brings together gamers, developers, and creators to celebrate the best of the industry. The 2025 nominees showcase how far gaming has evolved — from emotional indie journeys to massive cinematic adventures. With six strong contenders for Game of the Year and dozens more across categories, this year’s list is one of the most competitive yet.
Game of the Year Nominees 🎮
The centerpiece of every Game Awards show, the “Game of the Year” category, highlights the titles that left the biggest impact on players and critics alike. The 2025 nominees are:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Donkey Kong Bananza – Nintendo EPD / Nintendo
- Hades II – Supergiant Games
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – Team Cherry
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – Warhorse Studios / Deep Silver
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads this year’s nominations with 12 total nods — a record-breaking achievement that reflects its artistic and emotional depth. Meanwhile, sequels like Hades II and Death Stranding 2 prove that follow-ups can evolve their predecessors into something even greater.
Best Game Direction 🎬
This award celebrates outstanding creative vision and innovation in game direction and design. Nominees include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei, Hades II, and Split Fiction. Each title stands out for its visual identity and the unique ways it engages players emotionally and mechanically.
Best Narrative 🖋️
The “Best Narrative” category recognizes the storytelling power of modern gaming. From poetic RPGs to psychological thrillers, this year’s nominees are Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Silent Hill f. The variety of tones and genres showcases the growing diversity of storytelling in interactive media.
Best Ongoing Game 🕹️
In a time when live service titles dominate, the “Best Ongoing Game” award honors developers who continuously update and expand their worlds. Nominees include Final Fantasy XIV, Fortnite, Helldivers 2, Marvel Rivals, and No Man’s Sky. These games prove that community engagement and long-term support can keep a title alive for years.
New Faces and Indie Success Stories 💡
Beyond the major franchises, several indie titles earned nominations across multiple categories. Smaller studios like Team Cherry and Supergiant Games continue to show that creativity often thrives outside the AAA system. Their work has inspired players worldwide, setting a high bar for design and emotional impact.
Event Details 📅
The Game Awards 2025 will be held on December 11 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The nominees were officially announced on November 17, 2025, and public voting is already open on the official website. Millions of fans across the globe will tune in to watch live performances, surprise reveals, and the grand announcement of the Game of the Year winner.
FAQ
When are The Game Awards 2025 happening?
The show takes place on December 11, 2025, live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans can watch the broadcast online for free through multiple streaming platforms.
Who is leading the nominations this year?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the pack with 12 nominations, followed closely by Hades II and Death Stranding 2, both recognized for their direction, storytelling, and design.
Reflection
The Game Awards 2025 nominees show how the gaming world continues to evolve beyond simple entertainment. From experimental art to massive multiplayer universes, this year’s contenders reflect the creativity and passion of a growing global industry. No matter who wins, it’s clear that 2025 has been an unforgettable year for gamers everywhere.