Hold onto your controllers, gamers, because the 2025 Steam Awards have crowned a winner that’s both expected and yet still manages to spark debate: Hollow Knight: Silksong has taken home the coveted Game of the Year title. But here’s where it gets controversial—it also snagged the 'Best Game You Suck At' award, leaving us all wondering: is that a badge of honor or a backhanded compliment? Given the frenzy surrounding Silksong’s September release—an event so massive it nearly crashed digital distribution platforms—its victory felt almost inevitable. Yet, it’s hard not to question whether the hype overshadowed other deserving contenders.
In other highlights, Hades II claimed the Best Game on Steam Deck award, a title we at The Verge had unofficially bestowed upon it months ago. Its bite-sized gameplay and stunning visuals make it a perfect fit for portable play. Meanwhile, Silent Hill f walked away with the Outstanding Visual Style award, though I can’t help but feel Dream BBQ—with its mind-bending, hallucinatory art direction—was unfairly overlooked. And this is the part most people miss: while Silksong’s triumph is well-deserved, the awards also spotlight the incredible diversity and innovation in gaming today.
For a full rundown of winners and nominees, check out the Steam Awards 2025 landing page. But before you go, let’s spark some discussion: Did Silksong truly deserve both its accolades, or did the hype machine overshadow other gems? And which game do you think was robbed this year? Sound off in the comments—we’re all ears!
