The Gaming World’s Biggest Night Just Got a Lot More Interesting—Here’s Why!
The Game Awards 2025 is shaping up to be a night to remember, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading the charge with a staggering 12 nominations. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a game backed by a major publisher and global studios truly be considered 'independent'? More on that later. For now, let’s dive into what promises to be the most-watched celebration of video games on the planet.
Hosted by Geoff Keighley and often dubbed the 'Oscars of gaming,' this year’s event will honor winners across 29 categories. But don’t expect a traditional awards show—this three-hour spectacle blends ceremony, musical performances, celebrity cameos, and, of course, trailers for highly anticipated games. Speaking of which, last year’s reveal of The Witcher 4, Elden Ring Nightreign, and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet left fans buzzing. What surprises will this year bring?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by a 30-person team at Sandfall Interactive in Montpelier, France, has captivated critics with its old-school, turn-based RPG charm. Its nominations include Game of the Year, Best Narrative, and three nods for Best Performance—Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, and Jennifer English are all in the running. But the game’s inclusion in the Best Independent Game category has raised eyebrows. With backing from publisher Kepler Interactive and support from global studios, is it truly indie? And this is the part most people miss: the line between indie and AAA is blurrier than ever. What do you think—does it deserve the spot?
Sony, a perennial favorite at the Game Awards, is in the spotlight again with two exclusives: Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei, each scoring eight nominations. Directed by the legendary Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding 2 is up for Game of the Year and Best Narrative, though its star-studded cast, including Norman Reedus, was snubbed in the acting categories. Meanwhile, Ghost of Yōtei’s Erika Ishii is a contender for Best Performance. But can either title dethrone the indie darlings?
Speaking of indies, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2 are making waves as sequels to massive hits, developed by small teams with big ambitions. Silksong, dubbed the 'GTA 6 of indie games,' caused online stores to crash upon release, proving fan anticipation can be a double-edged sword. Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza, a launch title for the Switch 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 round out the Game of the Year nominees.
Notably absent is Split Fiction, the follow-up to It Takes Two from Hazelight Studio’s Josef Fares, which missed out on a nomination despite high expectations. And Blue Prince, one of the year’s most critically acclaimed titles, was only recognized in the Best Independent Game category. Is the Game Awards overlooking hidden gems?
The event hasn’t been without controversy. Critics argue it prioritizes advertising over awards, with truncated acceptance speeches and missing on-stage presentations. While 2024’s show addressed some concerns, developers continue to call for Geoff Keighley to tackle industry issues, such as widespread job losses. This year, the decision to scrap the Future Class scheme—an initiative to spotlight 'rising stars'—has sparked backlash. Alumni accuse the program of tokenism and failing to foster meaningful connections. Was this the right move, or has the Game Awards lost an opportunity to nurture talent?
As we count down to December 11th in Los Angeles, one thing’s clear: the Game Awards is more than just an awards show—it’s a battleground of ideas, creativity, and controversy. What’s your take? Does Clair Obscur deserve its indie nomination? Should the Game Awards do more to address industry challenges? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear from you!
