2025 Game of the Year Shortlist: 11 Contenders Revealed
▼ Summary
– 2025 is considered an exceptionally strong year for top-tier video games with multiple Game of the Year contenders released throughout the year.
– Hades II has the highest Metascore of 2025 but is viewed as being very similar to its predecessor, though it is still expected to be a finalist.
– Expedition 33 is the clear frontrunner for Game of the Year and is widely regarded as one of the best games of the generation or even all time.
– Several other highly-rated contenders include Blue Prince, Split Fiction, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Donkey Kong Bananza, each with their own prospects for making the final list.
– The author predicts the six Game Awards finalists will be Expedition 33 (winner), Hades II, Donkey Kong Bananza, Silksong, Death Stranding 2, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, with Expedition 33 as the most likely winner.
The race for the 2025 Game of the Year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a remarkable lineup of titles vying for the top honor. This year has delivered an almost constant stream of high-quality releases, making the selection process particularly challenging for critics and fans alike. While the final shortlist remains uncertain, several standout games have emerged as clear frontrunners based on critical reception and player enthusiasm.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the pack with a Metascore of 92, maintaining its position as the probable winner since its launch. Many players and reviewers regard it not just as a potential Game of the Year, but as one of the finest titles in gaming history. Despite some pushback against its overwhelming praise, it continues to dominate conversations.
2. Hades II currently holds the highest Metascore at 95, a notable achievement that secures its place among the top contenders. While some feel it doesn’t deviate dramatically from the original, its refined mechanics and engaging storytelling make it a strong candidate for the final list.
3. Blue Prince, also scoring 92, captivated players with its intricate, note-taking-required puzzles. Initially considered a personal favorite for many, its position on the official shortlist now seems less certain amid such fierce competition.
4. Another title with a 92 Metascore, Split Fiction, comes from the studio behind the previous winner It Takes Two. Despite its critical success, it risks being overshadowed by other high-profile games this year.
5. The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong earned a 91 Metascore and appears almost guaranteed a nomination. Its release lived up to years of anticipation, though some debate whether it deserves a spot over other deserving games.
6. Donkey Kong Bananza, scoring 91, launched alongside the record-breaking Switch 2 and instantly entered the Game of the Year discussion. As Nintendo’s flagship title for the new console, it stands an excellent chance of making the final cut.
7. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach improved upon its predecessor and holds an 89 Metascore. It sits on the bubble for nomination, but the general consensus leans toward its inclusion.
8. Fans are vocal about Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and its 88 Metascore, hoping it won’t be overlooked. For many, it represents their personal Game of the Year, and omitting it from the shortlist would feel like a significant oversight.
9. ARC Raiders, with an 87 Metascore, has recently entered the conversation as a dark horse contender. While its chances for the main award seem slim, it is widely expected to secure the Best Multiplayer title.
10. Ghost of Yotei reviewed well with an 86, outperforming its predecessor. However, its recent release may be influencing perceptions, and it faces stiff competition from higher-rated games.
11. Then there’s Megabonk, an un-scored indie title priced at just ten dollars. It won’t be nominated, but its inventive design and passionate fanbase make it a title worth experiencing.
Predicting the final six nominees is no easy task, but the most likely lineup appears to be Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the winner, joined by Hades II, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Death Stranding 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, though Split Fiction could potentially take the last spot. While predictions are always subject to change, Expedition 33 remains the undeniable favorite to claim the ultimate prize.
(Source: Forbes)
