The spotlight is on as the shortlist for the Golden Joysticks Awards 2025 Ultimate Game of the Year has been unveiled. This year, the list shines bright with the presence of independent games, many of which have captivated players and critics alike. Despite a year filled with major releases from big industry giants, it’s clear that indie developers have left a lasting mark.
Celebrating Indie Excellence
This year marks the first major awards event to announce its Game of the Year contenders, presenting a total of 12 nominees. The prominence of indie games among these contenders highlights the powerful impact of smaller studios in 2025. Although some of these indie gems benefited from major publisher backing, the majority were crafted by teams without such support.
The Nominees Unveiled
The contenders for the 2025 Game of the Year Award include:
- Blue Prince
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Peak
- Hades II
- Split Fiction
- Ghost of Yotei
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Silent Hill f
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
Whether or not all these titles resonate with you, there’s no denying their quality. These 12 games stand out as some of the finest releases of 2025. Titles such as Blue Prince, Hades II, and Hollow Knight: Silksong are exceptional indie achievements. Meanwhile, games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Split Fiction show the influence of independent creativity, despite being published by major studios.
Major Absences and the Power of Public Vote
Notably absent from the list are triple-A titans such as DOOM: The Dark Ages, Borderlands 4, and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. These omissions underline the indie surge in 2025. The Golden Joysticks Awards remain a reflection of the public’s voice, with voting now open to decide the Ultimate Game of the Year.
If you have a favorite among these contenders, now is the time to let your vote be heard and support the games that have shaped 2025.