Game of the Year 2025: Top Contenders, Surprises, and Must-Watch Upcoming Releases
Game of the Year 2025: Who’s Leading the Race?
With Grand Theft Auto 6 pushed to 2026, the competition for Game of the Year 2025 is wide open. The Game Awards, often called the Oscars of gaming, will be held on December 11, and this year’s contenders are shaping up to be a diverse and exciting bunch.
- Current front-runners and why they stand out
- Potential dark horses to watch
- Upcoming titles that could shake up the race
Top Contenders for Game of the Year
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is stealing the spotlight with its strong narrative, polished graphics, and role-playing depth. Developed by the small but talented Sandfall Interactive, it’s already a favorite among critics and gamers alike. The big question: will enough players keep it buzzing until the awards? Game Pass support helps its reach.
For more info, check out the prediction markets backing its success.
2. Donkey Kong Bananza has jumped into the top six thanks to strong reviews and its role as a Switch 2 exclusive. Nintendo platformers usually face skepticism for Game of the Year, but Bananza’s unique destruction gameplay and Donkey Kong’s comeback add fresh appeal. It’s family-friendly, which might work against it, but its novelty is undeniable.
3. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach brings Hideo Kojima’s signature style back with a bigger, more accessible sequel. Despite slightly cooling review scores (now at 89 on Metacritic and OpenCritic), it remains a major contender thanks to its ambition and Sony’s backing. Some voters might hesitate due to Kojima’s close ties with The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley.
4. Blue Prince is the indie darling with a 92 Metascore and a mysterious, challenging vibe. It’s less mainstream than previous indie nominees like Stray but has captured the critical community’s attention. It faces stiff competition from other indies like the anticipated Hades 2.
5. Split Fiction offers a co-op adventure with strong design and a legacy boost from Hazelight’s previous GOTY winner, It Takes Two. While its story hasn’t wowed critics as much, its unique multiplayer appeal keeps it relevant.
6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 caters to hardcore RPG fans with realistic medieval storytelling. Despite a slightly controversial developer history and a demanding gameplay style, it’s a solid pick with an 88 Metascore.
Dark Horses to Keep an Eye On
Avowed from Obsidian Games has a traditional fantasy RPG feel with solid writing but a softer critical reception. Its steady player base makes it a classic dark horse. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle remains a sentimental favorite despite its late 2024 release.
Other interesting underdogs include Despelote, a slice-of-life indie game about soccer and childhood that’s gaining buzz, and The Alters, a thought-provoking clone survival game stirring conversation despite mixed reviews. Monster Hunter Wilds started strong but has lost some momentum compared to earlier series entries.
Upcoming Titles That Could Change the Game
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is highly anticipated and could be Nintendo’s best bet for the year. The Metroid Prime series has a strong history with critics and awards. Hades 2, if it fully releases this year, could challenge Blue Prince for indie dominance. Supergiant Games is eager to make a splash after the original’s snub.
Keeper from Double Fine is a mystery but looks promising based on early impressions and the success of Psychonauts 2. Ghost of Yōtei is another Sony-backed samurai adventure that might edge out similar titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Finally, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a long-awaited indie sequel that could sweep awards, especially since the original didn’t get much love at The Game Awards.
Stay tuned as the year unfolds—new releases and shifts in momentum will keep this race exciting!
