The video game industry is gearing up for another night under the spotlight: on December 11, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the new edition of The Game Awards will take place, an essential event dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the gaming world.
On November 17, the official nominations for The Game Awards 2025 were revealed and, as happens every year, they brought their fair share of surprises.
A record-breaking year for TGA nominations
Dominating the scene at The Game Awards is undoubtedly Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: the game earned an impressive 12 nominations, becoming the most-nominated title in the history of the awards.
Right behind it are productions such as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, both with eight nominations, while Hades II follows with six.
In short: an edition that confirms how the gaming universe continues to expand and diversify, giving space both to major blockbusters and to more niche projects that still manage to stand out.
The contenders for “Game of the Year”
Among the most anticipated nominations at this year’s TGAs is, naturally, the one for the highest honor: the Game of the Year award. Here are the competing titles:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The presence of Donkey Kong Bananza, a Nintendo production that might seem “lighter” compared to heavyweight franchises—shows how even family-oriented games can aspire to high-profile recognition at The Game Awards.
But who are the real favorites? Many analysts place high expectations on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, considering the large number and variety of its nominations.
Categories, variety, and a few surprises
Beyond the GOTY, the categories at The Game Awards span a wide technical and creative spectrum: Best Direction, Narrative, Art Direction, Score, Audio, Performance, Accessibility, Multiplayer, and even e-sports.
For example, in the “Best Performance” category we find names such as Ben Starr and Charlie Cox for Clair Obscur, Erika Ishii for Ghost of Yōtei, Jennifer English (again for Clair Obscur), and Troy Baker for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
It’s also worth noting how indie and niche productions find their own space: the “Best Independent Game” category includes titles such as Ball × Pit, Blue Prince, along with Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
In terms of publishers and studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment stands out, leading with an impressive 19 nominations.
Public vote and jury decision: how it works
The awards are determined through a hybrid system: about 90% of the final result comes from the jury, made up of over 150 international media outlets, while the remaining 10% is decided by the online public vote.
Voting is already open on the official website. As in many other countries, Italian fans can participate and support their favorite titles.
The grand finale will be the live show on December 11, which promises surprises, new announcements, and exclusive trailers.
Why this edition stands out
Several factors make The Game Awards 2025 particularly significant:
- The unprecedented record of nominations achieved by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, raising the bar for the entire event.
- The wide range of competing works: from major AAA titles to independent productions, from family-friendly platformers to deeply narrative experiences.
- The growing international interest in the event, now a true showcase for premieres and future announcements.
- The current industry climate: in a moment where production, innovation, and diversity are key, these awards gain symbolic cultural value.
Which games deserve extra attention?
If we had to identify three titles that could become the “big three” of the night, they would be:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – record numbers, nominations in nearly all key categories, dominating presence.
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – a highly anticipated sequel to a cult saga, strong on both technical and narrative fronts.
- Hades II or Hollow Knight: Silksong – representing the power of indie and mid-size productions that manage to shine with impressive impact.
Of course, the race remains open: public voting can influence the outcome, and the ceremony may still surprise us.
Conclusion
With the official publication of The Game Awards nominations, the countdown has begun. Fans around the world can look forward to a night showcasing the very best of the gaming landscape: a moment to celebrate, but also to look ahead at what’s coming next.
On December 11, stories, talent, and dedication will take center stage: who will claim the title of Game of the Year?
All that’s left is to wait… and vote.
