Top 5 Game of the Year 2025 Predictions

Every gamer can agree that 2025 has been an incredible year, packed with a diverse range of games that really bring gamers together. There have been emotional but story games and massive open-world titles filled with so much fun and activities, all in a single year.

The race for Game of the Year feels really close because both small indie games and big blockbuster titles have shown how strong and fun they can be. People will always have different opinions, and award shows usually bring lots of debate, but it is clear that some games have left a bigger impact than others. Considering that, here's our top Game of the Year 2025 predictions.

Game of the Year 2025 Predictions

Looking at how these games were received, how much they impressed players, and how ambitious they were, here are our top five guesses for the games that might win when the awards finally take place.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Warhorse Studios is back with a sequel that doesn’t just continue the first game but makes it bigger and better in every way. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 does more than simply continue the story. It expands everything that made the first game special and pulls players deep into the harsh yet beautiful world of medieval Bohemia. What makes it stand out among other major titles is its highly realistic theme. Instead of magical creatures or futuristic tech, it gives you mud, steel, and tough choices. The combat is much smoother now, and you get the freedom to approach situations however you want, which makes every playthrough feel different. Some players might find its slower pace hard to get into, but that same realism is also what makes it special. In a year filled with flashy fantasy worlds, its grounded style gives it a real shot at surprising everyone in the Game of the Year race.

4. Hollow Knight: Silksong

The long-awaited sequel has finally arrived, and it has sparked the kind of debate that only great games can create. Silksong delivers faster combat with new abilities and a world that looks even more stunning than before, yet some fans still feel the original Hollow Knight had more heart and emotional weight. Many agree that it could easily win Best Indie Game of the year, though it might face tougher competition when placed alongside bigger blockbuster titles in the overall Game of the Year race. Even so, Silksong stands as an exceptional achievement that feels destined to earn recognition even if the ultimate prize stays just out of reach.

3. Split Fiction

Split Fiction shows that Hazelight Studios has truly mastered the idea of making co-op games feel just as meaningful as big single-player stories. Every level is designed to make two players rely on each other, not just to clear puzzles or challenges but to experience the story from both sides at once. That teamwork makes every choice feel personal and memorable. Many players say they grew attached to the characters because every moment mattered more when shared with someone else. With its heartfelt storytelling and creative co-op design, Split Fiction has the kind of spark that could push it into the Game of the Year 2025 conversation.

2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Every once in a while, a game emerges that no one expects and suddenly takes over the conversation. This year, the game is Expedition 33 because its unique art style, heartfelt story, and innovative take on turn-based combat have quickly won the hearts of RPG fans worldwide. Many players are saying it feels as impactful as the classic golden age of Final Fantasy, while some believe it has impressed them even more than any recent game. It doesn’t feel like just a normal game but more like a powerful experience, and this mix of bold design and deep emotions makes Expedition 33 a strong choice for Game of the Year 2025.

1. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

From the moment it was released, there was little doubt that Kojima’s Death Stranding 2 would be near the top. It has been the main topic of discussion ever since, taking everything ambitious about the first game even further while fixing many of its rough parts. The story feels clearer this time around, the performances are stronger, and the mystery grabs players even more. Whether people like or don’t like Kojima’s unique style, this sequel combines amazing visuals, bold storytelling, and creative ideas in a way few games can. Many players already see it as the one to beat, and it is easy to understand why. If any game wins Game of the Year in 2025, Death Stranding 2 is the favorite.