Clair Obscur vs. Silksong: Inside the Wide‑Open Game Awards 2025 GOTY Race
The 11th Game Awards are set for Dec. 11, 2025, and the field for Game of the Year is wide open after Grand Theft Auto 6 was delayed into 2026. With that surprise, several already-released games are now front-runners, including a newly arrived indie favorite. Below you’ll find a clear, factual breakdown of the contenders, dark horses, and a few upcoming titles to watch.
GOTY front-runners
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Why it’s a front-runner: Expedition 33 is a role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive that received strong critical praise for its writing, performance, and production values. It meets the common Game Awards indicators: high review scores and narrative focus.
Notes: The game is available on Game Pass, which expands reach. Prediction markets are heavily favoring it; see prediction markets for more details.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Why it’s a front-runner: Team Cherry’s Silksong released to strong critical reception and high sales. It arrived after a long wait and prompted major discussion in games media and player communities.
Notes: The game is notably difficult, and some outlets have described its challenge as divisive. Silksong entered the race as a new contender following its surprise release in 2025.
3. Donkey Kong Bananza
Why it’s a front-runner: Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza has review scores of 90+ on Metacritic and OpenCritic, meeting the usual threshold for Game Awards attention. It has been associated with the launch of a new console generation.
Notes: Nintendo platformers historically perform unevenly at Game of the Year. Recent downloadable content, DK Island + Emerald Rush, received weaker reception, which has affected some discussion around the title.
4. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Why it’s a front-runner: Kojima Productions’ sequel received strong technical praise and significant media coverage. It continues themes from the original and was published by Sony.
Notes: The first Death Stranding included a cameo from Geoff Keighley; that factual connection has been noted in some coverage of the series.
5. Split Fiction
Why it’s a front-runner: Hazelight Studios’ co-op title has high review scores and follows It Takes Two, which previously won Game of the Year. It is a story-led action-adventure with a co-op design focus.
Notes: The game’s design has been highlighted more than its story in some reviews; Hazelight’s established reputation is part of the title’s profile.
6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Why it’s a front-runner: Warhorse Studios’ realistic medieval RPG received positive reviews for its storytelling and scale. The series appeals to players and critics who favor large single-player RPGs.
Notes: Warhorse’s founder, Daniel Vávra, has drawn controversy for past comments; coverage of those comments appeared on Kotaku, for context: pro-Gamergate comments.
Dark horses
Avowed
Obsidian’s Avowed had a modest critical reception but developed a steady player base. It is a traditional fantasy RPG with long-term word-of-mouth appeal.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
MachineGames’ Indiana Jones released just days before the 2024 Game Awards but has remained a sentimental favorite in some coverage. New DLC, The Order of Giants, arrived later in the year.
Despelote
This Ecuadorian slice-of-life indie earned notable reviews for its portrayal of childhood and soccer. It remains a smaller, regional title compared with global front-runners.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds launched early in the year to strong sales and positive reviews, but discussion has shifted over time within its community.
Blue Prince
Blue Prince is an indie puzzle game that gained attention among critics and niche audiences. Limited localization and a smaller player base have been noted as factors for its reach.
Upcoming titles and ineligibilities
Hades 2
Hades 2 from Supergiant has been in early access and received strong early reactions. It is a candidate for the Game Awards’ typical single indie slot, competing with Silksong for attention.
Keeper
Double Fine’s Keeper, due in October, is a non-verbal game about a sentient lighthouse. The developer’s previous work and available assets make it a possible contender.
Ghost of Yōtei
Sony’s open-world samurai project, themed similarly to Ghost of Tsushima, is another title to watch. Sony-backed releases have historically performed well at the Game Awards.
Ineligibility note: Metroid Prime 4’s December release date makes it ineligible for the 2025 Game Awards cycle, so it is not listed among contenders for this year.
All games listed here are already released or have official release information as noted. The Game Awards voting body includes a broad international media panel and a fan vote component that accounts for 10% of the final result.
