The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as the winners of the 2025 Steam Awards have been unveiled. Surprising many, the coveted Game of the Year title went to “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” surpassing the heavily favored “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.” This unexpected triumph has stirred conversations, especially since Sandfall Interactive’s turn-based JRPG, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” had already made waves by surpassing “Baldur’s Gate III” in the number of Game of the Year accolades it has received, standing just behind “Elden Ring” and “The Last of Us Part II.”
Steam Awards Surprise
Despite its achievements, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” couldn’t clinch Valve’s top honor, as “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” the long-anticipated sequel by Team Cherry, captivated the hearts of Steam users. While exact voting details remain undisclosed, the victory is nonetheless significant. “Hollow Knight: Silksong” also claimed the ‘Best Game You Suck At’ award, highlighting its challenging gameplay. Competing against titles like “Path of Exile II” and “Elden Ring Nightreign,” the win underlines its appeal among dedicated gamers.
Other Award Recipients
Though it didn’t capture the Game of the Year title, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” did earn recognition for its outstanding soundtrack. The Steam Awards also celebrated other notable games:
- “The Midnight Walk” as VR Game of the Year
- “Baldur’s Gate III” for the Labor of Love Award, honoring sustained support post-launch
- “Hades II” as Best Game on Steam Deck
- “Peak” with the Better With Friends Award
- “Silent Hill f” for Outstanding Visual Style
- “ARC Raiders” for Most Innovative Gameplay
- “Dispatch” with the Outstanding Story Rich Award
- “RV There Yet?” for the Sit Back and Relax Award
Reflections on 2025
Reflecting on the gaming landscape of 2025, it’s clear that indie titles have made a significant impact. The year has been dubbed the “year of the indie-ish,” a sentiment echoed in the 2025 Steam Awards results. Which title did you support in this year’s voting? Share your thoughts in the comments!