Ah, the sweet smell of nominations is in the air! The illustrious Game Awards of 2025 has unfurled its scroll of nominees. And boy, is it a list that will make even the most seasoned gaming couch potato sit up straight and maybe even brush off some crumbs.
Record-Breaking Nominee: Clair Obscur Takes the Crown
Leading the parade of pretentious accolades is none other than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, slapping on an astonishing 12 nominations like it’s a badge of honor. This game is practically dripping in recognition. Following closely—because who doesn’t enjoy a good rivalry—are the PlayStation juggernauts, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, which managed to snag eight nominations each. Hades 2 joins the fray with a respectable six nominations. Not too shabby, right?
Publishers Throwing Their Hats in the Ring
In the race for the most nominated publisher, the title of “the busiest bee in the publisher hive” goes to Sony Interactive Entertainment, with a staggering 19 nominations. It’s almost like they have a secret army of game developers working around the clock. Next up, Kepler Interactive buzzes in with a commendable 13 nods, while both Microsoft and Electronic Arts round out the list with a neat 10 nominations each. Someone needs to hand out participation trophies, am I right?
Game of the Year: The Final Countdown
Let’s talk about the illustrious nominees for Game of the Year. Battling it out in this prestigious category are:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
There’s a little something for everyone, from nostalgic walls of nostalgia to all the emotions in the latest indie roguelikes. Grab your popcorn; it’s going to be a wild night!
Best Performance: It’s a Tough Crowd
Now, who’s getting the gold star for the Best Performance? The nominees come straight out of an acting masterclass, including:
- Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Charlie Cox, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Erika Ishii, Ghost of Yōtei
- Konatsu Kato, Silent Hill f
- Troy Baker, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Time to sharpen those acting chops because the competition is fiercer than a lion in a pet shop!
Musical Talents Battle It Out
For the melodious delights, nominees for Best Score and Music will give listeners an auditory feast. The contenders are:
- Christopher Larkin, Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Darren Korb, Hades II
- Lorien Testard, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Toma Otowa, Ghost of Yōtei
- Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
May the most harmonious tune win and not cause eardrums to burst!
The Grand Finale
All nominees were announced in a grand spectacle hosted by the game’s version of a rock star, Geoff Keighley, during a live stream. Viewers can expect 27 awards to be handed out like candy, with winners decided by a 90% jury vote and 10% fan voting. Because everyone knows that online voting is the cornerstone of democracy. Right?
Mark those calendars for December 11, 2025, when games will stream live from the Peacock Theater in sunny Los Angeles! Expect new game announcements and a performance that might make even the mute appreciate this art form.
The Final Tally
Ready to pick favorites? The clock is ticking until December 10 at 6 PM PT for fans to cast their votes. Will it be an underdog or a fan-favorite sweeping through the nominations? Stay tuned for what promises to be an epic showdown in the virtual award universe.
