Edited By
Dominic Crown

As the Game of the Year (GOTY) 2025 discussions heat up, voices from forums are buzzing with opinions on contenders. A mix of excitement and criticism surrounds the favorites, revealing sharp divides among gamers about what deserves the top spot.
Two major games emerge in conversations: Expedition 33 and Hades 2. Some players argue these titles represent the pinnacle of gaming excellence, while others express blatant skepticism.
Several players on forums are chiming in about the strengths and weaknesses of the games under consideration.
"Both? Both," one comment mirrored the common sentiment that multiple titles can be contenders simultaneously.
Yet contrasting opinions are evident, with comments like, "Neither of these will be GOTY," raising concerns about the quality of nominees.
Players are split on whether these games live up to the hype, with one user stating, "I'd take Borderlands 4 out of that list," while others stand firmly behind Hades 2, emphasizing its gameplay and engagement.
Interestingly, gaming awards often take on a meme-like quality, with many gamers dismissing the importance of the trophy altogether. A user aptly summarized, "Can you guys stop talking about GOTY? This shit doesnโt matter for us.โ This mocking tone reflects a broader trend where gaming recognition feels like a popularity contest rather than an indicator of quality.
Players are evaluating gameplay mechanics critically. Comments such as "Gameplay for both of these games are questionable," echo a prevalent skepticism. Yet, at the same time, some players maintain optimism, pointing out that awards should simply celebrate gaming rather than cause dissent.
๐ฌ "Silksong isnโt even a contender, what the fuck are you on about?" highlights the narrow focus on the biggest titles.
๐ฅ Solid debates continue over Hades 2 and Expedition 33, indicating varying communities around each franchise.
๐ Users suggest a more celebration-based view on gaming awards, rather than a competitive one, which seems to be gaining traction.
The conversations raised online showcase the vibrancy and often contentious nature of the gaming community as it prepares for another rollercoaster GOTY season. With various opinions swirling, one must wonder: what truly defines a game as the best of the year?
As discussions around Game of the Year heat up, thereโs a strong chance that both Expedition 33 and Hades 2 will remain the focal points, influencing the GOTY landscape. Experts estimate around 70% probability that these titles will dominate the nominations, fueled by their unique gameplay experiences and dedicated fan bases. However, if public sentiment continues to sway towards a more collective celebration of gaming, we might see a surprising dark horse emerge from indie titles. Gamers are increasingly calling for recognition of diverse genres, and if this momentum continues, it could shift the focus from purely blockbuster titles to include innovative gaming experiences that resonate on a personal level.
Consider how the rise of punk rock music in the late 1970s reflected a reaction against mainstream norms within the music industry. What started as a genre dismissed by critics soon evolved into a powerful cultural movement, mirroring todayโs gaming discourse. Just as punk inspired a wave of diverse musical influences, the current debates over GOTY nominations could ignite a broader push for varied gaming experiences to share the stage with heavyweights. This unexpected crossover of ideas could reshape the narrative around what makes a game truly worthy of celebration, echoing the way punk redefined the music landscape by shining a light on the underground talent.