Meet the GOTY Nominees

The Game Awards 2025 already have their six contenders defined for the most coveted prize of the night: Game of the Year (GOTY). Each one represents a different vision of modern gaming, ranging from independent productions with major cultural impact to blockbusters that redefine narrative and technique.

The Six Nominees

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Studio: Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive
• Why it stands out: An artistic and narrative proposal that blends surrealism with tactical RPG. Its unique aesthetic and deep story have made it one of the most talked-about titles of the year.
• Lore: Set in a France inspired by the Belle Époque, the heroes must stop the “Peintresse,” whose painting causes the annual death known as the Gommage.
• Gameplay: Combines turn-based RPG with real-time action elements, offering strategic and visually artistic combat.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Studio: Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Why it stands out: Hideo Kojima returns with a sequel that promises to expand the Death Stranding universe. With an even more cinematic approach, it is one of the favorites thanks to its narrative and visual ambition.
• Lore: Continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges, exploring themes of human connection, death, and sacrifice in new territories such as Mexico.
• Gameplay: Maintains the open-world formula of deliveries and exploration, but adds new mechanics, allies, and more complex encounters.

Donkey Kong Bananza

• Studio: Nintendo EPD / Nintendo
• Why it stands out: The return of one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises. With new mechanics and a vibrant style, Bananza seeks to win over both veterans and new generations.
• Lore: Revitalizes the saga with a modern yet nostalgic feel, taking Donkey Kong on new adventures in a colorful world.
• Gameplay: A 3D sandbox-style platformer where the player can punch, dig, and destroy terrain to open paths and defeat enemies.

Hades II

• Studio: Supergiant Games
• Why it stands out: The sequel to the acclaimed roguelike keeps the intensity of its predecessor but adds new layers of narrative and gameplay. It is the strongest indie contender in the category.
• Lore: Starring Melinoë, the immortal daughter of Hades, who seeks to defeat the Titan of Time.
• Gameplay: Roguelike dungeon crawler with fast-paced combat, spells, nocturnal weapons, and progression through repeated attempts after each death.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Studio: Team Cherry
• Why it stands out: After years of anticipation, the sequel to the indie classic finally competes for GOTY. Its meticulous design and passionate community make it one of the most awaited titles of the decade.
• Lore: Hornet travels to the kingdom of Pharloom, a land ruled by silk and song, facing oppressive forces and uncovering her legacy.
• Gameplay: 2D metroidvania action and exploration, with agile platforming, precise combat, and a world more vertical than Hallownest.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

• Studio: Warhorse Studios / Deep Silver
• Why it stands out: A realistic medieval experience that emphasizes historical immersion and complex storytelling. Its technical ambition and attention to detail make it a solid contender.
• Lore: Set in 15th-century Bohemia after the death of Emperor Charles IV, it continues Henry’s story amid political and religious conflicts.
• Gameplay: A realistic first-person medieval RPG, with emphasis on story, immersion, and tactical combat, where every decision affects the world.

Diversity in the Competition

The list of nominees reflects the breadth of modern gaming:

• Indies with global impact (Silksong, Hades II).
• Narrative and experimental productions (Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2).
• Iconic comebacks (Donkey Kong Bananza).
• Historical realism (Kingdom Come II).

Conclusion

The Game Awards 2025 present a diverse and thrilling competition. Each title brings a different vision of gaming’s future, and the GOTY winner will be much more than a prize: it will be a symbol of where the industry is heading.

Getting to know the nominees, the hype is more alive than ever.