The Game Awards 2025 games winners have officially been revealed, and this year’s ceremony delivered one of the most exciting showcases in recent memory. Hosted once again by Geoff Keighley on December 12, 2025, the global event celebrated creativity, innovation, and technical mastery across the gaming industry.
From Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 to fresh newcomers like Black Myth: Wukong, the ceremony highlighted the best of 2025’s interactive entertainment. The night was filled with emotional acceptance speeches, breathtaking reveals, and unforgettable moments that left fans buzzing around the world.
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Game of the Year 2025 Winner
The biggest award of the night — Game of the Year (GOTY) — went to Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly acclaimed expansion from FromSoftware and Bandai Namco.
The massive DLC, which expanded upon the base game’s lore, world design, and combat systems, captivated both critics and fans. Judges praised its depth, artistry, and storytelling, calling it one of the most ambitious expansions ever made.
Other nominees included:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Alan Wake 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Black Myth: Wukong
While the competition was tough, Shadow of the Erdtree ultimately secured the win, reinforcing FromSoftware’s dominance in modern game design.
Best Game Direction
Remedy Entertainment took home the Best Game Direction award for Alan Wake 2. The psychological horror masterpiece pushed storytelling boundaries through its dual protagonist structure and seamless transitions between live-action and gameplay.
Critics hailed Alan Wake 2 as a technical marvel — both a narrative experiment and a genre-redefining experience.
Best Narrative
The award for Best Narrative went to Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios. Even a year after release, the RPG continues to dominate award circuits for its deep writing, branching choices, and memorable cast.
The developers expressed gratitude to the fan community for keeping the game alive through passionate engagement and storytelling discussions.
Best Art Direction
Black Myth: Wukong received the award for Best Art Direction, stunning audiences with its breathtaking visual style inspired by Chinese mythology. Developed by Game Science, the game impressed judges with its cinematic presentation, meticulous creature design, and lifelike animations powered by Unreal Engine 5.
Its victory marked a milestone for Chinese developers on the global stage, showcasing how international creativity continues to enrich the gaming world.
Best Score and Music
The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack of Alan Wake 2 earned Petri Alanko and the Remedy sound team the award for Best Score and Music. The game’s use of music as a narrative device — blending eerie instrumentals with dynamic sound cues — stood out as one of 2025’s most artistic achievements.
Best Audio Design
The Best Audio Design award went to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for its immersive sound engineering. The title’s combination of realistic weapon acoustics, ambient battlefield soundscapes, and spatial audio innovation elevated it above competitors.
Best Performance
The audience erupted in applause when Melanie Liburd won Best Performance for her portrayal of Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2. Her nuanced performance grounded the game’s surreal atmosphere with emotional authenticity.
Other nominees included:
- Neil Newbon (Baldur’s Gate 3)
- Idris Elba (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty)
- Cameron Monaghan (Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)
- Yuri Lowenthal (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2)
Liburd’s acceptance speech, praising both Remedy’s creative vision and the game’s passionate fanbase, became one of the night’s most heartfelt moments.
Best Independent Game
Dave the Diver took home the Best Independent Game award. The charming hybrid of underwater adventure and restaurant management continued to delight audiences with its humor, creativity, and accessible gameplay.
Though released earlier, its post-launch updates and continued fan engagement earned it fresh acclaim in 2025.
Best Ongoing Game
The Best Ongoing Game award went to Final Fantasy XIV, celebrating yet another year of consistent quality, new content, and community events. The MMORPG’s developers, Square Enix, were commended for their commitment to storytelling and long-term player support.
Best Community Support
The award for Best Community Support was won by Baldur’s Gate 3, reflecting how Larian Studios has maintained transparency, frequent updates, and player-driven content since launch. Fans have praised the studio’s communication and continued post-launch improvements.
Best Action Game
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon from FromSoftware won Best Action Game. The high-speed mecha combat title reinvigorated a classic franchise, impressing players with precise mechanics, dynamic missions, and deeply customizable builds.
Best Action/Adventure Game
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 swung to victory as Best Action/Adventure Game, celebrated for its exhilarating gameplay, heartfelt storytelling, and next-generation visuals. Insomniac Games was applauded for refining everything fans loved about the series while pushing its emotional stakes higher than ever.
Best RPG
Baldur’s Gate 3 added another trophy to its growing collection with the award for Best RPG. The game’s intricate systems, memorable companions, and freedom of choice continue to set new standards for the genre.
Larian Studios remains a powerhouse in modern role-playing, inspiring future titles with its player-driven design philosophy.
Best Fighting Game
Tekken 8 was crowned Best Fighting Game, marking a powerful return for Bandai Namco’s legendary series. The game’s revamped combat mechanics, improved online features, and stunning visuals reestablished Tekken as a competitive favorite.
Best Family Game
Super Mario Bros. Wonder claimed the Best Family Game title, with critics praising its creativity, accessible gameplay, and nostalgic design. Nintendo’s enduring ability to craft joy-filled experiences for all ages shone brightly once again.
Best Sports/Racing Game
EA Sports FC 25 — the evolution of the FIFA franchise — won Best Sports/Racing Game, recognized for its improved gameplay physics and expanded career mode. The rebranding under “EA Sports FC” successfully maintained fan loyalty while pushing for innovation.
Most Anticipated Game for 2026
The Most Anticipated Game award went to The Elder Scrolls VI, as Bethesda shared a fresh teaser trailer during the show. Fans erupted with excitement, marking it as one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Special Recognition Awards
The Industry Icon Award went to Hideo Kojima, honoring his decades of visionary storytelling and innovation. Kojima also unveiled a new look at OD, his mysterious upcoming horror collaboration with filmmaker Jordan Peele.
The Innovation in Accessibility Award was presented to Forza Motorsport, praised for its cutting-edge accessibility features allowing players with disabilities to fully enjoy the experience.
Highlights from the Show
Beyond the awards, the Game Awards 2025 ceremony featured world premieres that thrilled audiences:
- A new trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, confirming an early 2026 release.
- Gameplay reveals for Fable, Perfect Dark, and Death Stranding 2.
- A surprise announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s official release date.
The show blended celebration and spectacle, underscoring how gaming has become one of the world’s leading forms of entertainment.
Final Thoughts
The Game Awards 2025 games winners reflected a year of artistic diversity and creative triumph. From RPG epics to indie gems, each winner showcased how storytelling, technology, and community can unite to create unforgettable experiences.
Which of the 2025 winners was your favorite? Share your thoughts and celebrate gaming’s biggest night in the comments below.