The Game Awards 2025 nominations are out, and the Game of the Year (GOTY) lineup is stacked with cinematic blockbusters, indie masterpieces, and long-awaited sequels that fans have waited years for.
This year’s shortlist delivers a rich mix of genres turn-based RPGs, metroidvanias, roguelikes, open-world adventures, and platforming classics.

Below is a complete, crisp, content-rich breakdown of all GOTY nominees, including story summaries, key features, platforms, and why each game earned its place.

Game of the Year Nominees – The Game Awards 2025

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Genre: Turn-based JRPG (UE5)
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Why It’s Nominated:
The most nominated game in TGA history (12 nominations), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 became an artistic phenomenon. With a Belle-Époque-inspired dark-fantasy world, emotionally loaded storytelling, and hybrid real-time/turn-based combat, it’s the breakout hit of the year.

Highlight Features:

• Stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals
• “Paintress” concept where entire age groups vanish
• Heavy narrative focus with cinematic worldbuilding

2. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Developer: Kojima Productions
Genre: Action Adventure
Platform: PS5

Why It’s Nominated:
Kojima’s sequel expands its universe into a post-apocalyptic Australia, with deeper themes of connection and isolation. Featuring a Hollywood cast and sweeping cinematics, it’s one of the most ambitious productions of the year.

Highlight Features:

• Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Troy Baker & more
• Massive, atmospheric open-world traversal
• A story reimagined after the pandemic era

3. Donkey Kong Bananza

Developer: Nintendo EPD
Genre: 3D Action Platformer
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2

Why It’s Nominated:
A nostalgic yet modern Donkey Kong adventure with destructible environments, transformations, and a lively world. It became a Switch 2 system seller overnight.

Highlight Features:

• Sandbox-style platforming freedom
• Banana-shaped diamond upgrades
• DK & Pauline team-up storyline

4. Hades II

Developer: Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelike ARPG
Platforms: PC, Switch, Switch 2, macOS

Why It’s Nominated:
Supergiant elevated every element of their iconic original. With Melinoë taking the lead, the game delivers richer combat, deeper lore, and a thrilling pursuit against Chronos, the Titan of Time.

Highlight Features:

• Industry-defining combat fluidity
• Gorgeous art & soundtrack
• Rich character interactions and builds

5. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Developer: Team Cherry
Genre: Metroidvania
Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch

Why It’s Nominated:
After years of anticipation, Silksong arrived—and delivered. With Hornet as the protagonist, the game features massive vertical environments, tight mechanics, and master-crafted enemy designs.

Highlight Features:

• Entirely new kingdom (Pharloom)
• Faster movement + needle-based combat
• Updated AI & boss fight complexity

6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Developer: Warhorse Studios
Genre: Open-World Historical RPG
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Why It’s Nominated:
The sequel surpassed expectations with a hyper-realistic medieval setting, morally grounded storytelling, and a world that feels historically alive. It also achieved major commercial success.

Highlight Features:

• Authentic 15th-century Bohemia
• Skill-based melee combat
• Branching narratives & detailed world simulation

Why This GOTY Race Is So Competitive

• Wide genre diversity ensures no “safe pick.”
• Indies vs AAAs: Clair Obscur & Hades II are strong contenders against giants like Kojima Productions and Nintendo.
• Long-awaited sequels like Silksong and Death Stranding 2 brought massive audience hype.
• High artistic value: This is one of the strongest storytelling years in gaming.