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What they're forgetting can impact us all: a deep dive

Ghost of Yotei Faces Stiff Competition | Gamers Debate Game of the Year Odds

By

Liam Bennett

Nov 18, 2025, 06:42 PM

2 minutes of duration

A group of people engaged in a serious discussion, highlighting overlooked societal concerns
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As 2025's gaming landscape reaches a critical moment, the fate of Ghost of Yotei hangs in the balance. With strong contenders in the mix, players are voicing their opinions on what makes a game GOTY worthy.

Ghost of Yotei has stirred significant conversation among gamers, particularly surrounding its absence from the Game of the Year (GOTY) nominations. Many gamers are questioning whether the game is truly deserving amid a year filled with standout titles.

Notable Comments and Perspectives

Several themes stood out in the discussions:

  1. Lack of Innovation

Critics argue that Ghost of Yotei fails to introduce significant innovations compared to its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. One commenter stated, "it didnโ€™t do anything different to really stand out." Players looking for groundbreaking changes feel let down despite acknowledging it as a solid title.

  1. Stronger Contenders

The year 2025 has produced a plethora of high-quality titles, leaving many to believe Yotei's chances of winning are slim. A user noted, "It's been a year of bangers and instant classics this is not one of those." With games like Hades II and others raising the bar, contenders are fierce.

  1. Enjoyment vs. Award Worthiness

Interestingly, many players confess their enjoyment of Yotei while recognizing its limitations. "I still love GOY, making it game of the year or not doesnโ€™t affect my experience, tbh," shared one gamer. This sentiment reflects a broader acceptance that personal enjoyment doesn't always align with critical acclaim.

"Even if amazing, it is still just a rehash of a game they already made. That is not award worthy."

  • Top Commenter

Sentiment Analysis

The overall sentiment expressed in the comments skews towards skepticism about Yotei's GOTY potential, with a mix of disappointment and appreciation. While many acknowledge its good gameplay, they feel it can't compete against the year's heavyweights.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Many gamers believe Yotei lacks the innovation needed for award recognition.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ HIGH competition this year makes standard titles like Ghost of Yotei less likely to win.

  • โœจ A strong personal connection to Yotei exists even if itโ€™s not seen as an award contender.

With several opinions circulating, the debate continues as gamers prepare for upcoming award ceremonies. Will Ghost of Yotei rise to the occasion, or will it be overshadowed by its competitors? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Ghost of Yotei?

As the gaming awards approach, there's a strong chance that Ghost of Yotei will struggle to make a significant impact among this year's contenders. Experts estimate around a 30% likelihood of the game receiving any notable accolades due to its perceived lack of innovation. Players generally express a fondness for the game, which could lead to a grassroots campaign for recognition; however, the overwhelming presence of innovative and groundbreaking titles like Hades II may overshadow it. Award voters tend to favor fresh ideas, making it unlikely Yotei will see much success.

Echoes of the Past in Gaming

The scenario echoes the 2010 gaming landscape when Red Dead Redemption stole headlines while overshadowing titles with dedicated fanbases, like Alan Wake. Just as some gamers clung to their fond memories of Alan Wake, loving its narrative and aesthetic appeal, many continue to cherish Ghost of Yotei despite its shortcomings. This pattern reminds us that while critical success often aligns with innovation, passionate fan support can sometimes sustain a title long after awards season fades.