Edited By
Clara Evers

The recent article from The MinnMax Show discussing the potential candidates for Game of the Year 2025 has ignited lively discussions on various forums. Notably, some titles appear to have been overlooked, leaving gamers and fans alike questioning the decision.
As people reacted to the list, three main themes emerged from their comments:
Exclusion of Popular Games: Many expressed disbelief at the decision to leave out Hades 2, simply because the predecessor received praise. One comment noted, "The Hades 2 brush off simply because Hades 1 was also good is insane to me."
Passion Behind Arguments: Another point of contention was the exclusion of Donkey Kong, which Kyle ranked third. One commenter said, "I didn’t even play Donkey Kong but I think keeping Kyle's number 3 off the list is kind of rough." This highlights how passionate pleas deserve consideration in the rankings.
Baffling Reasoning: A common sentiment suggested that some decisions lacked clear justification. One user articulated their frustration, stating, "Some of the games excluded from the two 10s, and the reasoning for excluding them, are just baffling to me."
These insights paint a mixed picture. While some fans appreciated the discussions surrounding game choices, others felt frustrated about exclusions.
"I really appreciate JeffM fighting on other people's behalf," remarked one fan, showing support for those advocating for their favorite titles.
🔍 Exclusions of Hades 2 and Donkey Kong raised eyebrows.
🎤 "Great episode, probably the only thing that kinda stuck out to me," emphasized the engaging nature of the discussions.
💬 Fans advocate passionately for games they love, highlighting community engagement.
The ongoing conversations around the Game of the Year nominations reflect the passion of the gaming community, and as discussions continue, it raises the question: What criteria truly matter when determining a game's worth?
As the gaming community continues to voice their opinions, there's a strong chance we might see a reconsideration of the nominations ahead of the final voting. With the notable exclusions like Hades 2 and Donkey Kong, it is likely that discussions will spur organizers to re-evaluate how popularity and critical reception influence nominations. Experts predict around a 60% chance that fan-driven advocacy will lead to at least one surprise addition to the finals, underscoring the vibrant engagement of players in shaping the gaming landscape.
Consider the 1996 Academy Awards, where Fargo was largely celebrated but bypassed in several categories, leading to unexpected backlash and discussions. This situation mirrors the current gaming dilemma where similar community uproar can reshape perceptions on what deserves recognition and why. Just as filmmakers banded together to rally support for overlooked pieces, the gaming world, too, shows that passion can shift narratives and outcomes, proving that dissent carries weight.