The Game Awards 2025 nominees are here, and the gaming world is buzzing! Announced yesterday on November 17, the full slate of categories showcases the best of 2025’s releases, from epic RPGs to heart-pounding action titles. Leading the charge is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the stunning turn-based RPG that’s snagged a record-breaking 12 nominations across major categories like Game of the Year and Best RPG. With heavy-hitters like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Hades II in the mix, this year’s TGA is shaping up to be one of the most competitive ever.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan predicting winners or just catching up, we’ve got you covered with the complete list of The Game Awards 2025 nominees and categories. Plus, we’ll dive into the biggest snubs, surprises, and our bold predictions. Voting is now open on thegameawards.com – head there to make your voice heard before the show on December 11!
Official TGA 2025 GOTY graphic featuring Clair Obscur’s ethereal art style clashing with Death Stranding’s dystopian vibes – credit: The Game Awards
Why The Game Awards 2025 Nominees Are Already Breaking the Internet
This year’s nominations highlight a diverse lineup, blending indie gems with AAA blockbusters. French studio Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the undisputed frontrunner, earning nods in nearly every qualifying category for its innovative combat, breathtaking visuals, and emotional storytelling. Meanwhile, Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding 2 delivers on its wild promises, and Supergiant’s Hades II proves roguelikes are still reigning supreme.
But not everything’s smooth sailing – fans are raging over snubs like Blue Prince (a breakout indie hit) getting zero major nods despite critical acclaim, and Ghost of Yōtei missing out on GOTY despite dominating narrative categories. Expect heated debates on X and Reddit all week.
Ready for the full breakdown? Let’s jump into all The Game Awards 2025 categories and nominees.
Full List of The Game Awards 2025 Nominees by Category
We’ve organized everything below for easy scanning – from Game of the Year to esports and adaptations. Each category lists the top contenders. (Pro tip: Use Ctrl+F to find your favorite game!)
Game of the Year
The ultimate prize – who will take home the big one on December 11?
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Best Game Direction
For visionary design that pushes boundaries.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Hades II
- Split Fiction
Best Narrative
Storytelling at its finest – tears, twists, and triumphs.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Silent Hill f
Best Art Direction
Visual masterpieces that steal the show.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best Score & Music
Soundtracks that’ll live in your playlist forever.
- Christopher Larkin – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Darren Korb – Hades II
- Lorien Testard – Clair Obscur: Expédition 33
- Toma Otowa – Ghost of Yōtei
- Woodkid & Ludvig Forssell – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Best Audio Design
Immersive sound that pulls you in.
- Battlefield 6
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Silent Hill f
Best Performance
Standout acting that elevates the game.
- Ben Starr as Verso – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Charlie Cox as Gustave – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Erika Ishii as Atsu – Ghost of Yōtei
- Jennifer English as Maelle – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Konatsu Kato as Shimizu Hinako – Silent Hill f
- Troy Baker as Indiana Jones – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Best Independent Game
Indie magic shining bright.
- Absolum
- Ball x Pit
- Blue Prince
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best Debut Indie Game
Fresh faces making waves.
- Blue Prince
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Despelote
- Dispatch
- Megabonk
Games for Impact
Titles tackling real-world issues with heart.
- Consume Me
- Despelote
- Lost Records: Blooom & Rage
- South of Midnight
- Wanderstop
Best Action Game
Adrenaline-fueled chaos.
- Battlefield 6
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- Hades II
- Ninja Gaiden 4
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Best Action/Adventure Game
Epic quests and open worlds.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Split Fiction
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Best Role-Playing Game
Deep lore and character growth.
- Avowed
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- The Outer Worlds 2
Best Sim/Strategy Game
Brain-teasing mastery.
- The Alters
- Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
- Jurassic World Evolution 3
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
- Tempest Rising
- Two Point Museum
Best Fighting Game
Combo breakers and rivalries.
- 2XKO
- Capcom Fighting Collection 2
- Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
- Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection
- Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
Best Family Game
Joy for all ages.
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Lego Party!
- Lego Voyagers
- Mario Kart World
- Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
- Split Fiction
Best Sports/Racing Game
Speed and strategy on the track.
- EA Sports FC 26
- F1 25
- Mario Kart World
- Rematch
- Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Best Multiplayer
Squad up for glory.
- ARC Raiders
- Battlefield 6
- Elden Ring Nightreign
- Peak
- Split Fiction
Best Ongoing Game
Live-service legends that keep evolving.
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Fortnite
- Helldivers 2
- Marvel Rivals
- No Man’s Sky
Best Community Support
Dev teams that listen and deliver.
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Fortnite
- Helldivers 2
- No Man’s Sky
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Best VR/AR Game
Immersive worlds in your headset.
- Alien: Rogue Incursion
- Arken Age
- Ghost Town
- Marvel’s Deadpool VR
- The Midnight Walk
Best Mobile Game
Pocket-sized perfection.
- Destiny Rising
- Persona 5: The Phantom X
- Sonic Rumble
- Umamusume Pretty Derby
- Wuthering Waves
Innovation in Accessibility
Games for everyone, no barriers.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Atomfall
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- EA Sports FC 25
- South of Midnight
Best Adaptation
Gaming to screen – hits or misses?
- A Minecraft Movie
- Devil May Cry
- Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
- The Last of Us Season 2
- Until Dawn
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best Esports Game
Competitive crowns.
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Valorant
Best Esports Athlete
Solo stars dominating the scene.
- Brawk
- Chovy
- Forsaken
- Kakeru
- Menard
- Zywoo
Best Esports Team
Squad goals achieved.
- Gen.G (League of Legends)
- NRG (Valorant)
- Team Falcons (Dota 2)
- Team Liquid PH (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)
- Team Vitality (Counter-Strike 2)
Content Creator of the Year
Streamers and YouTubers who own the vibes.
- Caedrel
- Kai Cenat
- MoistCr1TiKaL
- Sakura Miko
- The Burnt Peanut
Most Anticipated Game
2026’s hype machines.
- 007 First Light
- Grand Theft Auto VI
- Marvel’s Wolverine
- Resident Evil Requiem
- The Witcher IV
The Biggest Snubs and Surprises in The Game Awards 2025 Nominees
No awards list is without drama! Blue Prince, the puzzle-adventure that’s won hearts for its clever mechanics, landed in Best Independent Game but was mysteriously absent from GOTY and Best Debut Indie – fans are calling it the snub of the year. Ghost of Yōtei shocked everyone by dominating narrative and art but missing GOTY, sparking “Sucker Punch robbery” threads everywhere.
On the flip side, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s sweep is the feel-good surprise – a debut indie RPG out-nominating sequels like Hades II? Game-changer. And Donkey Kong Bananza sneaking into GOTY? Nintendo’s banana-fueled platformer is the underdog we didn’t know we needed.
Our Predictions: Who Will Win The Game Awards 2025?
Based on critic scores, player buzz, and nomination hauls, here’s our hot takes:
- GOTY: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (It’s everywhere for a reason – innovative and unforgettable.)
- Best Narrative: Ghost of Yōtei (Emotional depth that’ll tug heartstrings.)
- Best Performance: Jennifer English as Maelle in Clair Obscur (Raw, relatable power.)
- Best Multiplayer: Helldivers 2 (Ongoing chaos keeps delivering laughs and wins.)
- Most Anticipated: Grand Theft Auto VI (Rockstar’s shadow looms large.)
What do you think? Drop your predictions in the comments!
When and Where to Watch The Game Awards 2025
Tune in December 11, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET for the live show on YouTube, Twitch, and more. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, expect world premieres, concerts, and epic moments. Vote now – your pick could sway the results!
There you have it: The Game Awards 2025 full nominees and categories unpacked. Which category are you most excited for? Share below, and subscribe for more gaming deep dives. Game on! 🎮
Sources: Official TGA site, Game Informer, PC Gamer, Mashable. All nominee data accurate as of November 18, 2025.
