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2025 game awards frontrunners: who will win game of the year?

2025 Game Awards | Frontrunners Emerge for Game of the Year

By

Rachel Kim

Jul 19, 2025, 11:48 AM

3 minutes of duration

A collage of promotional art for leading video games including Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yotei, showcasing their unique styles and characters.
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As the countdown to the 2025 Game Awards ticks closer, speculation about potential Game of the Year contenders is heating up. Several people are weighing in, with strong opinions on which titles might snag a nomination come November.

Current Contenders

Predictions are flying around with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Hereโ€™s a rundown of the frontrunners:

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition

  • Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

  • Split Fiction

  • Donkey Kong Bananza

  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

  • Ghost of Yotei (if it delivers as expected)

Yet, there's chatter about potential dark horses.

"Clair Obscur might steal the show and can lock it," one commenter noted, reflecting optimism about the titleโ€™s fresh approach.

Interestingly, the buzz around Ghost of Yotei isnโ€™t all positive.

User Concerns and Alternatives

The reception varies significantly. Some caution against the hype, with remarks like:

"Man, the copium everywhere about Ghost of [first game] was 80/100 at best."

It's shared that if Ghost of Yotei falls short, it might open the door for indie sensations like Blue Prince or Deltarune to secure a slot.

Another notable mention, Silent Hill F, has been largely overlooked, with some arguing it deserves more acknowledgment than itโ€™s received so far.

Franchise Favorites

Meanwhile, established franchises like Monster Hunter Wilds, Oblivion Remastered, and Doom: The Dark Ages are also in the mix as potential nominees, thanks to their strong histories with gamers. However, some doubt its merit with comments like:

"Monster Hunter Wilds sits at 51% positive on Steam. How can people think that deserves a GOTY spot?"

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Predicted frontrunners include high-profile sequels and innovative new titles.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Mixed reactions surround certain anticipated games, raising concerns about their odds.

  • ๐Ÿค” Potential surprises may come from indie games or lesser-known titles striking a chord with players.

As November approaches, eyes will remain glued to gaming forums, waiting to see which games truly rise to the occasion. The landscape of Game of the Year candidates could still shift dramatically as more titles are released and developed in the coming months.

Stay tuned for updates as we track this developing story.

Next Steps in the Race for Game of the Year

As the 2025 Game Awards approach, the competition is heating up, particularly for titles like Clair Obscur and Death Stranding 2. Analysts predict a strong chance that innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling will lead Clair Obscur to take home the top honor, estimating its odds at around 45%. Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2 could also secure a solid spot with a projected 30% probability, given its established fan base and critical acclaim. Consensus among forums suggests listeners should keep an eye on indie entries, as thereโ€™s a growing sentiment that they might disrupt the status quo, potentially snatching nominations away from more established titles. Any surprise releases or significant updates to leading contenders could change momentum quickly, but right now, the community seems primed for a shake-up come November.

Echoes of Award Controversies Past

An unforeseen thread links this year's Game of the Year race to the 2017 Academy Awards, where the film Moonlight unexpectedly dethroned La La Land after a high-stakes mix-up on stage. The gaming field may similarly witness shocking turns, as strong narratives and community support behind lesser-known games could challenge industry giants. Just as Moonlight's win reflected a shift in creative storytelling and cultural representation, this year's awards could signal a fresh recognition of diverse voices within gaming. Donโ€™t be surprised if an underdog emerges on stage to claim victory, reflecting the broader changes in how we celebrate creativity across any medium.