🔗 Share this article

The upcoming annual gaming ceremony, taking place December 11, appears anyone's game. Initially, GTA 6 had been expected to sweep the show, but pushback into 2026 has dramatically altered the landscape. This development sets the stage for a much more competitive battle for the prestigious Game of the Year honor.

The process relies on a broad body of games media worldwide, supplemented by a minor share of public voting. A number of indicators typically influence which titles excel in the Game of the Year race. A strong Metacritic score—optimally above 90—is a near requirement. RPGs and action-adventures often receive preferential treatment, while smaller and co-op games encounter tougher challenges compared to AAA single-player adventures. These metrics were used to predict 2024's winner, Sony's critical darling.

What follows are projections for the six potential contenders for this year's GOTY. Differing from the Oscars, where the majority of contenders are familiar months prior to voting, video games typically reveal their quality only once they're out. Accordingly, this list covers solely games that have already launched. We will update as the year when new titles hit the market. Also included are a few potential future entrants and sleepers.

Top Contenders for Game of the Year

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Its winning chances: A celebrated narrative adventure, excellent in storytelling and performance, thought-provoking yet entertaining, with high technical quality—it embodies all the ingredients of a award-winning winner. As a impressive achievement from a relatively small development team, which only adds to its prestige. Echoing last year's Metaphor was highly regarded in 2024. The game appears hard to beat.

Weaknesses: While it's a minor hit, a sufficient number of people must play Expedition 33—especially among reviewers—to maintain its presence in the discussion for more than six months. Subscription services will assist, but can it really popular enough to take the crown?

Momentum (remaining strong): Clair Obscur is a polished product, players continue engaging with and discussing it, and prediction markets are heavily supporting its victory. It is firmly placed in the top spot.

2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Positive factors: The developers's long anticipated follow-up to its 2017 darling could well dominate at The Game Awards, largely because the first game didn't receive much recognition back then and the panel may be motivated to now recognize it. Critics mostly adore it, sales have been incredibly strong, and its release was a huge event that defined the discourse for an extended period.

Concerns: The game is very hard, which has created disagreement among some players and may also polarize the voters. Numerous players bounce off the game or feel frustrated by it, and the accompanying debate has been somewhat heated.

Standing (just arrived): No other 2025 games have had such an impact as Team Cherry's release, and it's unlikely that any others will. The surprise launch was brilliantly executed for optimal impact, but the omission of pre-release versions for media means its perception could shift over time.

3. Bananza

Why it could win: With a rating of 90+ on each of Metacritic and OpenCritic, this game has the required level of praise to compete. Typically for a Nintendo family title, which works against it. But, with its physics-based mechanics, resuscitation of a classic IP as a main character, and role as a flagship title for a new console, it has more freshness than your average platforming game, and makes for a more notable story.

Weaknesses: Family-oriented jump-and-run games tend to struggle in major award competitions, due to perceived immaturity and under-developed narratives. Last year's winner went against that trend, but two wins in a row seems doubtful. Plus, their quality is often expected.

Momentum (down from No. 2): Bananza may maintain momentum better than some other games as more people acquire Switch 2, but criticized DLC has damaged its image a little.

4. Death Stranding 2

Positive aspects: Hideo Kojima's sequel to his divisive 2019 sci-fi epic about traveling across a barren wasteland is both more expansive and more enjoyable than the first game. A technically astounding, immersive, ambitious cinematic title, with critical acclaim, published by an industry giant… it’s got all the hallmarks of a top-tier Game of the Year candidate, and it comes from the best-known director still working.

Weaknesses: Next to Clair Obscur's indie charm, Kojima's game feels like the establishment choice, despite its many oddities. And the closeness between the director and the show host might make some voters feel uncomfortable about backing it.

Standing (slipping No. 3): The game's critical scores have dropped a little since launch. And it’s not clear that the game has significantly broken out beyond its existing supporters.

5. Hazelight's new game

Why it could win: Critical consensus is still the most accurate signal of success at The Game Awards, and with a rating exceeding 90 on each of {Metacritic and OpenCritic|aggregate sites