Welcome to the zixkum blog. Every year, The Game Awards bring us a mix of excitement, surprises, and sometimes a few debates we’re all too familiar with. And 2025 is no different. This year’s lineup is packed with incredible games that show the tremendous evolution within the gaming world. There is wild creativity that not only captivates players but also invites them to explore new realms and experiences. Developers really pushed the limits of what gaming can be, experimenting with innovative mechanics and breathtaking art styles that elevate storytelling to new heights.
The nominees truly represent how far the gaming industry has come. They showcase mind-blowing visuals and unforgettable stories. They include insane gameplay innovations and esports highlights. This blend of artistry and technology immerses players like never before. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a hardcore fan, or just here for the drama, there's something in this list for you, ensuring that every type of player finds their favorite gems, discusses fiercely with friends, and anticipates the next big hit that will dominate both the awards and our hearts.
Game of the Year
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Donkey Kong Bananza
Hades II
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Best Ongoing Game
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Helldivers 2
Marvel Rivals
No Man’s Sky
Best VR/AR Game
Alien: Rogue Incursion
Arken Age
Ghost Town
Marvel’s Deadpool VR
The Midnight Walk
Best Mobile Game
Destiny: Rising
Persona 5: The Phantom X
Sonic Rumble
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Wuthering Waves
Best Art Direction
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Ghost of Yōtei
Hades II
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best Score And Music
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hades II
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Ghost of Yōtei
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Best Audio Design
Battlefield 6
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yōtei
Silent Hill f
Best Community Support
Baldur’s Gate 3
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Helldivers 2
No Man’s Sky
Best Adaptation
A Minecraft Movie
Devil May Cry
The Last of Us: Season 2
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
Until Dawn
Best Narrative
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Ghost of Yōtei
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Silent Hill f
Games for Impact
Consume Me
Despelote
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
South of Midnight
Wanderstop
Best Multiplayer
Arc Raiders
Battlefield 6
Elden Ring Nightreign
Peak
Split Fiction
Best Independent Game
Absolum
Ball x Pit
Blue Prince
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Hades II
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best Debut Indie Game
Blue Prince
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Despelote
Dispatch
Megabonk
Content Creator of the Year
Caedrel
Kai Cenat
MoistCr1TiKaL
Sakura Miko
The Burnt Peanut
Most Anticipated Game
007 First Light
Grand Theft Auto VI
Marvel’s Wolverine
Resident Evil Requiem
The Witcher IV
Best Action Adventure Game
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yōtei
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Split Fiction
Best RPG
Avowed
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The Outer Worlds 2
Monster Hunter Wilds
Best Fighting Game
2XKO
Capcom Fighting Collection 2
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
Best Action Game
Battlefield 6
Doom: The Dark Ages
Hades II
Ninja Gaiden 4
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Innovation In Accessibility
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Atomfall
Doom: The Dark Ages
EA Sports FC 26
South of Midnight
Best Family Game
Donkey Kong Bananza
LEGO Party!
LEGO Voyagers
Mario Kart World
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Split Fiction
Best Sim/Strategy Game
The Alters
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles
Jurassic World Evolution 3
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Tempest Rising
Two Point Museum
Best Sports/Racing
EA Sports FC 26
F1 25
Mario Kart World
Rematch
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Best Esports Game
Counter-Strike 2
DOTA 2
League of Legends
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Valorant
Best Esports Athlete
brawk
Chovy
f0rsakeN
Kakeru
MenaRD
Zyw0o
Best Esports Team
Gen.G – League of Legends
NRG – Valorant
Team Falcons – DOTA 2
Team Liquid PH – Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Team Vitality – Counter-Strike 2
Best Game Direction
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Ghost of Yōtei
Hades II
Split Fiction
And that’s a wrap for our deep dive into The Game Awards 2025 Categories and Nominations List!. No matter who ends up taking home the trophies, one thing’s clear, this year has been packed with amazing games that kept us entertained, surprised, and totally hooked. Every nominee brought something unique to the table, and that’s what makes the gaming world so exciting year after year. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the full list! Feel free to drop your predictions, hot takes, or your personal Game of the Year in the comments I’d love to hear what you think. Stay tuned for more updates, breakdowns, and all things gaming right here on the zixkum blog.
