The Game Awards 2025 nominations are finally here, and as much as we love celebrating every category, all eyes naturally turn to the big one: Game of the Year. These six titles represent the best gaming had to offer this year, each standing out for its innovation, storytelling, and unforgettable experiences that leave a mark. Here’s every GOTY nominee for 2025 and what makes each of them a serious contender for the crown.
All Game of the Year 2025 Nominations
If you are looking for all categories, check out all The Game Awards 2025 Nominations linked here. That said, here is the full list of all the Game of the Year 2025 nominations:
1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Image Credit: Kojima Productions
The Death Stranding sequel expands Kojima’s strange world with stronger emotional threads and a sharper sense of scale. Its new traversal and shelter systems make every journey feel deliberate rather than tedious. The story leans into a bolder mix of science fiction and human drama that lands better than the first game. It improves on the original and perfects all aspects that made the original less attractive.
Check out our Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review here and learn why it deserves the GOTY 2025 nominations.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Image Credit: Team Cherry
Team Cherry bangs on the Hollow Knight formula with its much harder but satisfying platformer. Silksong earned its place through a combat system that feels tight from the first encounter to the last. The world design shows careful craft with regions that reward steady curiosity. Hornet’s upgraded movement turns every area into a skill test that feels fair and more interactive. Both the devoted players and newcomers treated it as a benchmark for modern action platformers.
Here is our Hollow Knight: Silksong review, where we rated it a solid 9/10.
3. Kingdom Come Deliverance II
Image Credit: Warhorse Studios
KCD originally was one of the most underrated games that suffered from a few flaws. Well, the sequel deepens its historical simulation with stronger writing and a world that feels grounded without losing momentum. Its combat system gained more weight and clarity, making every duel feel earned. The quests carry a sense of consequence that keeps players thinking beyond the next objective. The game received both critical praise and fans showered it with a lot of love.
If you want a deep dive into why the game deserves the GOTY 2025 nomination, check out our Kingdom Come Deliverance II review, where we gave it a perfect 10 rating.
4. Hades II
Image Credit: Supergiant Games
Hades II builds on the fast rhythm of the original with a wider set of tools that encourage creative runs. The writing blends humor and tragedy with surprising ease. Melinoe’s growth keeps the narrative moving at a steady pace that matches the action. The game became a favorite for players who enjoy mastery layered with story.
5. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Image Credit: Sandfall Interactive
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is undoubtedly the leader in terms of the deserving crown holder. Its turn-based combat uses timing and positioning in a way that feels fresh in a crowded genre. The painted world gives every location a soft but unsettling style that sticks in memory. The characters grow through steady interactions that feel natural rather than forced. It earned praise for blending art and mechanics into a single idea. And let us not forget the excellent storytelling blended with great musical experience.
6. Donkey Kong Bananza
Image Credit: Nintendo
Bananza won people over with bright, level design that rewards skillful play. The game keeps a classic spirit while adding clever new movement tricks. Its co op mode became a surprise talking point thanks to its lively pacing. Critics noted how confidently it brings back an old icon without leaning on nostalgia too heavily.
That ends the GOTY 2025 nominations. Which one do you think deserves the Game of the Year 2025 crown? Let us know in the comments.
Ishan Adhikary
