10 Best Award-Winning Games of 2025

The moment Geoff Keighley took the stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical awards show. The Game Awards 2025 felt refreshingly unpredictable. Instead of following the usual pattern where the biggest budgets automatically take home the biggest prizes, the ceremony leaned into surprises at every turn. 

Now, this wasn’t just about flashy trailers or celebrity appearances. This year, the show had a different energy, one that made every announcement feel unexpected and worth paying attention to. And by the end of the night, the biggest winner wasn’t a sequel backed by decades of history, but an indie RPG that arrived with confidence and walked away with Game of the Year. Here are the 10 best award-winning games of 2025.

10. DOOM: The Dark Ages

Few franchises are as synonymous with intensity as DOOM, which made DOOM: The Dark Ages winning for Innovation in Accessibility one of the night’s most unexpected moments. Instead of dulling the experience, the game broadened it, allowing more players to engage with its signature speed and brutality. Notably, the award worked because accessibility wasn’t treated as an afterthought. It was integrated directly into the design, proving that even the most demanding action games can be inclusive without losing their edge.

9. Hades II

By the time Hades II picked up Best Action Game, it felt less like a shock and more like a quiet nod of agreement. Supergiant Games refined what made the original so addictive. They delivered smoother combat, deeper build variety, and stronger momentum from run to run. The award acknowledged how difficult it is to evolve a beloved formula without breaking it. Hades II  succeeded by trusting its systems and respecting player skill. Every run carries momentum, and that familiar “just one more attempt” pull is still dangerously strong. 

8. Umamusume: Pretty Derby

Umamusume winning Best Mobile Game surprised a lot of people who still underestimate mobile gaming. This wasn’t a win based purely on numbers or revenue. It was about connection. Players don’t just play Umamusume. They commit to it. The game blends character-driven storytelling with smart progression systems that reward time and care. The award reflected how well it builds loyalty and emotional attachment. It proves that mobile games can be thoughtful, expressive, and deeply engaging when treated with respect.

7. Hollow Knight: Silksong

After years of silence and sky-high expectations, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived and calmly claimed Best Action/Adventure Game. The game delivered refined combat, intricate world design, and a sense of discovery that rewards patience. This award reflected craftsmanship over hype. Silksong didn’t chase trends or spectacle. It focused on balance, atmosphere, and precision, and that focus carried it through.

6. Mario Kart World

When Mario Kart World rolled up to accept Best Sports Game, it reminded everyone why this series refuses to age. It’s chaotic, competitive, and instantly fun, whether you’re playing your first race or grinding online rankings. The award made sense because Mario Kart World understands balance. It’s simple to pick up, tough to truly master, and somehow still keeps you coming back for more. Even years later, it’s still one of the most satisfying racers out there.

5. The Last of Us: Season 2

Taking home Best Adaptation, The Last of Us: Season 2 showed that bringing a beloved game to life in a new form doesn’t mean playing it safe; you have to understand what made fans care in the first place. The category was stacked this year, with strong competitors like A Minecraft Movie, Devil May Cry, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, and Until Dawn all delivering impressive adaptations. That makes this win feel even more deserved, proving that careful, character-driven storytelling can leave a lasting impact.

4. Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong Bananza swinging in to win Best Family Game felt like a celebration of pure play. Bright colors, clever levels, and nonstop action make it easy to jump into and hard to put down. What made this award feel earned was how much care went into the design. Bananza isn’t just cute or easy. Levels encourage exploration, mechanics build on each other naturally, and the game treats players of all ages with respect. It’s the kind of family game that’s fun without ever feeling dumbed down.

3. Counter-Strike 2

When Counter-Strike 2 took home Best Esports Game, it did so quietly, which feels just right for a franchise like this. Counter-Strike has always been about precision, tension, and skill, and Counter-Strike 2 stayed true to that foundation. This award wasn’t about new gimmicks. It was about consistency. Tight gunplay, clear maps, and a strong competitive ecosystem kept Counter-Strike 2 at the heart of esports.

2. Grand Theft Auto VI

Grand Theft Auto VI winning Most Anticipated Game of the Year wasn’t just expected. It was inevitable. Few titles cast a shadow this large before release. This award wasn’t about what Rockstar has shown so far. It was about belief. Players expect GTA VI to reshape open-world design again, because Rockstar has done it before. The anticipation feels earned, heavy, and almost intimidating. Even without gameplay on stage, GTA VI dominated the conversation.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

By the time Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned Game of the Year, it had already swept up awards for Best RPG, Best Game Direction, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, Best Score & Music, Best Narration, and Best Performance. The final win didn’t change the narrative; it cemented it. This indie RPG wasn’t just a contender; it dominated the night.

Clair Obscur worked because every element clicked together perfectly. The art direction was bold and memorable without ever feeling overdone. Additionally, the music underscored emotion instead of drowning it out.

Now, here is the best part: beyond winning the award, the game became the most nominated game in The Game Awards’ history with 12 nominations, walked away with 9 wins, and set records with its largest Game Pass launch and near-perfect Metacritic scores. It wasn’t just a win; it was a full-scale takeover, proving that an indie game can not only compete with blockbusters but also redefine the landscape entirely.