The most anticipated voting in the gaming world returns once again. Here are my picks for the Game Awards 2025.
First of all, I would like to say that I believe that Expedition 33 will win most of the categories. Maybe it won't, but looking at the reviews and the record of nominations, everything points to it being the big favorite. As listed on The Game Awards official website, these are my picks:
Game of the Year
My GOTY is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I would be very surprised if it won another title. I don't see such strong rivals: it's an RPG that hooks you very quickly. I don't usually play this genre, but Expedition 33 is an exception and a deserved recognition for a small studio that surpasses in quality to bigger and more commercial studios. Besides, these awards usually value innovation and the work of small teams.
Best Game Direction
I also choose Expedition 33. Although they might be inclined to Death Stranding 2 because of the weight of its director, in my case I still consider Expedition 33 to stand out more.
Best Narrative
For me, Expedition 33 should also win the award for best narrative. I think it deserves it.
Most Anticipated Game
All the nominees are strong. Many would think that the most anticipated is GTA VI, and it is; however, I wouldn't pick a game that has already been delayed twice and could be delayed more. Personally I have lost some interest in GTA VI.
My vote is for The Witcher 4, since Wild Hunt is among my top three favorite games of all time, so I have high expectations for its sequel.
Best Adaptation
The film by Minecraft y Until Dawn I thought they were very bad. Splinter Cell I did not see it. The Last of Us is the favorite, but I don't think it deserves it: few chapters really surprised me. My choice is Devil May Cry.
Best Multiplayer
I choose Battlefield 6, mainly because of his return and because he is the one I know best. Elden Ring doesn't appeal to me in its battle royale style version, and I don't feel it innovates. Even though I'm a fan of the saga, there's always some FromSoftware title nominated for some reason.
Best Sports / Racing
I would never vote for EA Sports 26It came out in September and by November it was half price, which says a lot. I'm not a fan of F1 and Rematch I have not played it.
My real candidates are Mario Kart World y Sonic Racing, and between the two, I choose Sonic, although Mario could also win.
Best Sim / Strategy
I choose Jurassic World because it is the only one I know well. I have not tried the others.
Best Family Game
I believe that Donkey Kong is the strongest candidate. I've seen better reviews than the other games, though. Sonic y Mario could also compete.
Best Fighting
I'm not much of a fan of these games, but I'm going for Virtua Fighter 5.
Best RPG
There is no discussion here: Expedition 33. Even if you don't like RPGs, this game grabs you. I don't see any other possible candidate.
Best Action-Adventure
I believe that Hollow Knight is the most deserving, and probably his only award of the year. Although Death Stranding experience, it's boring to me, and I'm not sure if it's a Ghost of Yotei does not reach the level of Hollow Knight.
Best Action Game
The favorites are Doom y Hades 2, but I'll stick with Doom for its style.
Best VR / AR
I don't have VR, so I'm relying on videos and reviews. I think they should win Arken Age or perhaps The Midnight Walk.
Best Mobile Game
I don't play much on my cell phone, only chess when I'm waiting somewhere. Even so, my vote goes to Sonic.
Best Debut Indie Game
Expedition 33 surprised the world without anyone expecting so much from him. Undoubtedly, the winner.
Best Independent Game
Another award for Expedition 33. A fledgling studio that pulled off an amazing project.
Best Community Support
I don't play these titles often, so I'm not sure of the current bracket. Honestly, anyone could win.
Best Ongoing Game
I think they could win Fortnite, Helldivers 2 o No Man's Sky. Personally I prefer No Man's Sky for its content.
Games for Impact
Here I chose Despelote simply to support developers in the region. Beyond that, I have no other reason.
Innovation in Accessibility
I always value accessibility in my reviews. I don't think Ubisoft deserves a lot here and EA FC is more of the same. I choose Doom because making accessible shooters is a complicated job.
Best Performance
They are all very well nominated. I choose the actress in Expedition 33 because I liked his voice acting better, although in general all the performances are very good.
Best Audio Design
I think this might be the only category where Death Stranding would win, even above the rest.
Best Game Direction
Expedition 33 has outstanding management. All of its design and development are far ahead of the competition.
Best Score and Music
I think this one would be more controversial, but incredibly I enjoyed Ghost of Yotei's music more. Expedition 33 will probably win, however, I choose Ghost of Yotei.
Best Art Direction
There is no doubt: the art and design of Expedition 33 are impressive. I don't think another title will surpass it.
What do you think of my choices? What would be yours?
Who deserves the long-awaited GOTY 2025?