With the first half of 2025 in the rearview mirror, the race for Game of the Year is already heating up. This year has been a standout for the gaming industry, offering a remarkable mix of indie innovation, AAA spectacle, and long-awaited sequels. From breathtaking RPGs to genre-bending co-op experiences, here’s a look at the most compelling GOTY contenders released so far — plus a few upcoming heavyweights that could shake up the leaderboard.
Top GOTY Contenders (Released So Far)
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Genre: RPG
This visually stunning debut from Sandfall is already being hailed as the breakout RPG of the year. It merges painterly art direction with a bold mix of real-time and turn-based combat, telling a deeply emotional story about resisting fate. Critics have praised its originality and polish — it holds a 91/100 on OpenCritic and a 97% recommendation rate. If any game embodies the “art meets gameplay” mantra this year, it’s this one.
2. Split Fiction
Developer: Hazelight Studios | Genre: Co-op Adventure
From the creators of It Takes Two, Split Fiction doubles down on co-op storytelling and inventive level design. With a rare 10/10 from GameSpot and widespread acclaim for its clever dual-character mechanics and heartfelt writing, this title could easily repeat Hazelight’s past GOTY-winning success.
3. Doom: The Dark Ages
Developer: id Software | Genre: FPS
A brutal pivot into dark medieval fantasy, this Doom prequel keeps the franchise’s ferocious pace while introducing slower, weightier combat and siege warfare. Despite early difficulty concerns, recent patches improved balance — and over 3 million players jumped in within five days of launch. It’s a gutsy evolution of a legendary series.
4. Blue Prince
Developer: Dogubomb | Genre: Puzzle Roguelike
An indie darling with style to spare, Blue Prince invites players into a constantly shifting mansion where logic, memory, and exploration intertwine. Critics have called it one of the most unique puzzle games in years, with GameSpot awarding it a 9/10. A cult classic in the making.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Developer: Warhorse Studios | Genre: Historical RPG
The medieval RPG returns bigger, deeper, and more historically grounded. Building on its predecessor’s realism and complexity, Deliverance II offers expansive quests, full voice acting, and meaningful player choices. It’s a labor of love that appeals to fans of immersive sim-style RPGs.
6. Elden Ring: Nightreign
Developer: FromSoftware | Genre: Action RPG (Expansion)
This expansion to Elden Ring isn’t just DLC — it’s a full experience. Nightreign explores co-op mechanics and new areas with its own brutal flair. It condenses the Soulslike formula into a refined, focused challenge that resonates with both hardcore fans and newer players.
7. Monster Hunter Wilds
Developer: Capcom | Genre: Action RPG
Capcom refines the series’ beloved hunting gameplay in Wilds, smoothing out onboarding for new players without sacrificing depth. OpenCritic gives it an 89/100, and the community is rallying around its fresh zones, mounts, and adaptive ecosystems.
8. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Developer: MachineGames | Genre: Adventure
With cinematic direction and tight pacing, The Great Circle has been a surprise hit. Harrison Ford’s likeness, a smart script, and classic pulp-adventure vibes earned it multiple accolades, including Best Adventure Game at the D.I.C.E. Awards.
Upcoming Potential GOTY Contenders
1. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – June 26
Kojima’s sequel ups the narrative ambition and expands the emotional depth of the original. New mechanics and haunting visuals have already made it one of 2025’s most anticipated titles.
2. Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creators of Persona, this spiritual successor is blending JRPG tradition with a surreal political-fantasy world. Early hands-on previews describe it as a genre-defying masterpiece, and it’s expected to be a Game Pass powerhouse.
3. Ghost of Yōtei – October 2
The spiritual follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, Yōtei explores new lands and mythology with a fresh protagonist. With refined swordplay and cinematic storytelling, it could be Sony’s biggest title of the year.
4. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – August 28
A full remake of a stealth classic, Delta offers updated graphics, modern controls, and renewed interest in Kojima’s legendary saga — even without Kojima at the helm.
5. Donkey Kong Bananza – June 5 (Switch 2 Launch Title)
Expected to be a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2, this reinvention of Donkey Kong brings vibrant platforming, lush environments, and full co-op support. It’s already drawing comparisons to Super Mario Odyssey in terms of polish.
Current GOTY Front-Runners
Based on critical acclaim, fan engagement, and early awards buzz, the following games are leading the pack:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Split Fiction
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- Blue Prince
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Honorable mentions include Elden Ring: Nightreign, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Monster Hunter Wilds — all highly rated but slightly more polarizing among critics.
Other Notables Worth Watching
- Cabernet – An elegant 2D vampire narrative game gaining indie buzz.
- Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – A nostalgic narrative gem from Don’t Nod.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows – A solid Ubisoft offering with deeper stealth and dual protagonists.
- The First Berserker: Khazan – An intense action RPG gaining traction in streaming circles.
- Oblivion Remastered – Bethesda’s classic RPG gets a facelift and may pull nostalgia votes.
- Civilization VII – The upcoming entry could dominate strategy GOTY lists later this year.
Final Word
With six months left, 2025 already feels like a landmark year for gaming. Whether it’s a breakout indie like Blue Prince or a polished AAA epic like Split Fiction, the variety and quality of titles make this one of the most competitive GOTY races in years. And with juggernauts like Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei still to come, the final outcome is far from decided.
GOTY History – A Look Back At 2023
The Game Awards 2023 celebrated the best in video gaming last December, with Baldur’s Gate 3 winning the prestigious Game of the Year award. This massive RPG from Larian Studios triumphed over stiff competition, solidifying its place in gaming history. The win for Baldur’s Gate 3 represented a victory for complex, player-driven storytelling in an era where games often prioritize monetization over meaningful experiences.
The ceremony also recognized other outstanding titles, with Alan Wake 2 winning multiple awards, including Best Game Direction and Best Narrative. These accolades highlighted the diversity of gaming experiences that resonated with both critics and players. Neil Newbon’s performance in Baldur’s Gate 3 earned him individual recognition, demonstrating the increasing importance of acting talent in modern video games.
Looking back from early 2025, these award-winning games have maintained their cultural impact, influencing new releases and setting higher standards for storytelling and gameplay. The recognition of these titles at The Game Awards has helped shape discussions about excellence in game design across various platforms, including PC, Nintendo, and Sony systems.
Why 2023 Stands Out
The year 2023 was a fantastic one for gaming, culminating in a highly anticipated Game of the Year award. The big winner of Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023 was Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3.
It was a strong field of nominees, showcasing the diverse and high-quality titles released that year. Here’s a look at the games that were nominated for Game of the Year in 2023:
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (Larian Studios) – Winner
- Alan Wake 2 (Remedy Entertainment/Epic Games Publishing)
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (Insomniac Games/SIE)
- Resident Evil 4 (Capcom)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo EPD/Nintendo)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo EPD/Nintendo)
While Baldur’s Gate 3 took home the top honor, Alan Wake 2 also had a very strong showing, winning awards for Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction. It was a truly memorable year for gamers!
Key Takeaways
- Baldur’s Gate 3 won Game of the Year 2023, marking a significant achievement for Larian Studios and story-driven RPGs.
- Alan Wake 2 earned multiple prestigious awards including Best Game Direction and Best Narrative.
- The Game Awards 2023 highlighted exceptional achievements across various gaming platforms including PC and console titles.
2023 Game of the Year Analysis
The 2023 Game Awards celebrated an exceptional year in gaming, with Baldur’s Gate 3 emerging as the definitive champion. The ceremony highlighted both mainstream blockbusters and innovative titles that pushed creative boundaries.
Prestigious Titles and Nominees
The Game of the Year category featured an impressive lineup of contenders. Baldur’s Gate 3 ultimately claimed the top honor, beating out strong competition from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Alan Wake 2, and several other acclaimed titles.
Larian Studios’ RPG epic didn’t just win Game of the Year – it dominated the ceremony with multiple wins including Best RPG and Best Community Support. The victory represented a significant moment for RPG games, showcasing how a complex, narrative-rich experience could capture widespread appeal.
Tears of the Kingdom received recognition for its innovative design and massive open world, though it didn’t secure the top prize that many Nintendo fans anticipated.
Breakout Categories and Sensational Wins
Beyond the main award, several games received well-deserved recognition in specialized categories. Alan Wake 2 performed exceptionally well, winning awards for Best Narrative and Best Art Direction, highlighting Remedy Entertainment’s storytelling prowess.
The Best Score and Music category celebrated exceptional soundtracks that enhanced gaming experiences. Best Audio Design recognized technical excellence in creating immersive sound environments.
The 2023 awards marked a notable shift from 2022, when Elden Ring from FromSoftware dominated proceedings. This year’s diverse winners reflected the industry’s creative breadth.
Indie games also received significant attention, with several smaller studios competing against and sometimes besting AAA competitors in specialized categories, demonstrating the evolving landscape of game development and recognition.
Impact and Future of Awarded Games
The recognition of games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 at The Game Awards 2023 has created ripple effects throughout the gaming industry. These titles have influenced both player expectations and development priorities for future games.
Cultural Impact and Industry Trends
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Game of the Year win solidified the resurgence of deep, choice-driven RPGs in mainstream gaming. Larian Studios proved that complex gameplay systems and storytelling can appeal to a wide audience, not just hardcore RPG fans.
The industry has taken notice of Baldur’s Gate 3’s success with player choice and relationship systems. Many studios are now prioritizing these elements in upcoming titles.
Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder demonstrated Nintendo’s continued excellence in gameplay innovation despite aging hardware. This has pushed competitors to focus more on gameplay mechanics rather than just graphical improvements.
Alan Wake 2’s recognition for storytelling has elevated horror narratives in gaming. Remedy Entertainment’s approach to psychological horror has inspired other developers to explore more sophisticated narrative techniques.
Anticipated Developments for Upcoming Titles
The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has raised expectations for other RPG franchises. Upcoming titles are now under pressure to deliver similar levels of player choice and consequence.
Several Most Anticipated Game nominees are incorporating lessons from 2023’s winners. Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 have already shown influence from the narrative depth that earned awards for previous winners.
Accessibility features have become increasingly important following The Game Awards’ recognition in this category. More developers are now building accessibility options from the ground up rather than adding them later.
The “Best Ongoing” and “Best Community Support” categories highlighted the importance of long-term engagement. Games like Elden Ring demonstrated how post-launch content can extend a game’s relevance and cultural impact.
Industry insiders expect the next generation of games to blend the narrative depth of Baldur’s Gate 3 with the technical innovation of titles like Alan Wake 2, creating more immersive experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Game Awards 2023 brought exciting moments and notable winners to the gaming community. Here are answers to common questions about this prestigious event.
Which titles were nominated for the 2023 Game of the Year?
The 2023 Game of the Year nominees included Baldur’s Gate 3, Alan Wake 2, Spider-Man 2, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These titles represented diverse gaming experiences across different platforms.
Baldur’s Gate 3 ultimately claimed the top honor, cementing its place in gaming history. The game received widespread acclaim for its deep storytelling and player choice mechanics.
What criteria determine the Game of the Year selection?
Games are evaluated based on technical achievement, innovation, gameplay design, narrative strength, and overall player experience. The judging panel looks for titles that push boundaries in the industry.
Commercial success is not the primary factor in nominations or wins. Instead, artistic merit and cultural impact play significant roles in the selection process.
The Game Awards aims to recognize excellence across all aspects of game development.
Can you list the past winners of the Game of the Year award from 2020 to 2022?
In 2020, The Last of Us Part II took home Game of the Year honors. Naughty Dog’s emotional sequel received praise for its storytelling and technical achievements.
It Takes Two won in 2021, showcasing innovative cooperative gameplay from Hazelight Studios. The game was lauded for its creative approach to multiplayer experiences.
Elden Ring claimed the 2022 award. FromSoftware’s open-world action RPG garnered acclaim for its challenging gameplay and expansive world design.
How is the voting process for the Game of the Year award conducted?
The Game Awards uses a two-part voting system. A jury composed of over 100 global media outlets accounts for 90% of the final vote.
Public fan voting makes up the remaining 10% of the decision. This approach balances industry expertise with community engagement.
The nomination and voting process typically begins in November, with results announced during the December ceremony.
Are there any genre-specific awards within the Game of the Year 2023 competition?
Yes, The Game Awards features numerous genre-specific categories. These include Best Action Game, Best RPG, Best Fighting Game, and Best Sports/Racing Game.
Technical categories also exist, such as Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best Audio Design. These specialized awards ensure recognition across all gaming disciplines.
Additional categories honor innovation, accessibility features, and ongoing support for existing games.
What impact does the Game of the Year award have on the gaming industry?
Winning Game of the Year often leads to significant sales increases for the honored title. Baldur’s Gate 3 saw renewed interest and purchases following its 2023 win.
The award provides developers with industry recognition that can influence future project funding and creative freedom. Studios frequently use the accolade in marketing materials.
For players, the awards serve as a quality indicator when making purchasing decisions. The nominated games often represent the highest quality experiences available that year.
