Everything you need to know about The Game Awards

It won't be long before the gaming community has its eyes on [the gamer community] again. The Game Awards 2025The awards ceremony, which has rightfully earned the nickname "the Oscars of video games," arrives this year with several significant changes, a highly competitive list of nominees, and the feeling that the winner will be the one to watch. GOTY can mark a before and after.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Geoff Keighley's event has become the main showcase for announcements, trailers and world premieres for the industry. In this edition we'll see new productions, updates to highly anticipated titles, and a few surprises, with special attention to what affects players of Spain and the rest of Europe.

Date, times and where to watch The Game Awards 2025

This year's edition will be held in the usual venue. Peacock Theater of Los Angelesa venue that has established itself as the home of the gala. The organizers have scheduled the event for the early morning of Thursday, December 11 to Friday, December 12, 2025 in European time, which means staying up late if you want to watch it live from Spain.

In the peninsular time zone, the main ceremony will begin around 02:00 hours on December 12with a pre-game show starting about 30 minutes earlier. Other official communications have mentioned the schedule for 01: 30 CET as a reference point for the start, so it's advisable to keep in mind that slight fluctuation in minutes and connect with some leeway.

In the case of Spain (Peninsula and Balearic Islands)The key time is around 01:30-02:00, while in Canary Islands It will start between 00:30 and 01:00. In the rest of Central Europe, the reference is the same as in mainland Spain, since they share the CET time zone, so countries like France, Germany, and Italy will follow the gala in the same time slot.

The approximate duration will be about three hours of main eventNot counting the pre-game festivities, so those planning to follow it from Spain or Europe should keep in mind that it will last well into the early hours of the morning. For those who prefer to sleep, most European media outlets video games They will offer summaries at dawn with all the announcements.

For the first time, The Game Awards 2025 will be available to watch in Amazon Prime Video, in addition to the already classic official channels of the gala in YouTube and Twitchas well as on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok the FacebookThis expansion of broadcast windows aims to bring the ceremony to an even wider audience, including those who primarily consume content on streaming services. streaming of payment.

How the voting works and until when can you vote?

The system for deciding the winners of The Game Awards 2025 It maintains the hybrid model from previous years. The main focus is on a specialized international jury comprised of media and experts, who contribute 90% of the votes, while the general public contributes the 10% remaining through online voting.

To participate from Spain or any European country, simply access the The Game Awards official websiteRegister and select your preferred titles in each category. That vote alone doesn't decide the outcome, but it can tip the scales in high-profile awards such as Game of the Year, Best Direction or Best Indie Game, among others.

The organization has set a clear deadline: public voting closes on December 10 at 6:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm ETTranslated to Spanish peninsular time, this places the closing in the early hours of the December 11Therefore, those who wish to vote from Europe should do so, at the latest, on the 10th itself.

This system aims to balance the critical view of the press and the players' opinions, while also preventing the massive popularity of a franchise from completely distorting the results. For many specific categories, the jury's vote remains decisive.

The nominees for Game of the Year (GOTY 2025)

The category of Best Game of the Year It brings together six titles that have marked the recent release calendar. All arrive at the gala with strong critical and public support, and several have already accumulated previous awards. The list of nominees for GOTY 2025 is as follows:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Hades II
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

The game that's making the most noise is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33A highly personal RPG developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive. The title not only leads this year's nominations but has also been accumulating Best Game of the Year awards in other competitions, such as the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 and Thailand Game Show 2025, in addition to being chosen GOTY by Time Magazine.

In the field of high-impact indies, Hollow Knight: Silksong It's one of the names that stirs the most passion among European gamers. The sequel, developed by Team Cherry, has been described as a Metroidvania It's incredibly demanding and meticulously crafted in every aspect, from level design to the soundtrack. Its presence in the main category confirms the importance of independent studios in the current landscape.

For its part, Hades II It repeats the formula of the first Supergiant Games game, bringing the roguelite to a new level of refinement, while Death Stranding 2: On the BeachKojima Productions' game arrives as a sequel that expands upon the original concept with greater thematic and audiovisual ambition. Both are competing not only for Game of the Year, but also in categories such as Best Art Direction or Best Original Score.

The list is completed with Donkey Kong Bananza, which has served as a calling card for Nintendo Switch 2 without needing a new one Mario three-dimensional, and with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a historical RPG that has once again attracted attention for its realistic approach to the 15th century Bohemia and because of the importance of the player's decisions in building the narrative.

Distribution of nominations and most outstanding editors

If we analyze the global nomination data of The Game Awards 2025, the great dominator is once again Clair Obscur: Expedition 33The work of Sandfall Interactive adds 12 nominationsThis makes it the most mentioned game in a single edition of the gala since its creation, a milestone that positions it as a strong favorite to leave with several awards under its arm.

Following it are proposals such as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach y Ghost of Yotei, which appear in different counts with between seven and eight nominations eachdemonstrating that the second half of the year has been especially packed with high-quality productions. They come very close. Hades II, with around six candidates, Hollow Knight: Silksongwith five, and the enigmatic Split Fiction, which has around four nominations and appears in categories such as Best Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Family Game.

At the corporate level, Sony Interactive Entertainment It is the distributor that will have the greatest presence on stage, with 19 nominations spread across its various titles. It follows closely behind. Kepler Interactive, which adds up 13 mentionsAnd behind them are giants like Electronic Arts y Microsoftboth with 10 nominations to his credit.

In the field of NintendoThe spotlight clearly falls on Donkey Kong Bananzanominated for both Game of the Year and Best Family Game, in addition to sharing the spotlight with Mario Kart World in the categories focused on family games and driving. While not reaching the volume of other publishers, the Japanese company thus maintains a prominent presence in segments closely aligned with its traditional audience.

In the case of Spain and Europe, many of these titles have been very present in the media conversation and on the sales charts, especially Clair Obscur, Hades II, Silksong and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, which frequently appear in year-end lists compiled by European and Latin American media.

Main categories and games most present at the gala

Beyond the GOTY award, The Game Awards 2025 brings together a long list of categories covering virtually every genre and format in the industry. Best Direction Big-budget projects are combined with independent ventures with a lot of personality, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei, Hades II and the narrative proposal of Split Fiction, which has attracted attention for its way of mixing traditional structures and player decisions.

En Best Narrative Very different stories compete with each other, from the universe built around Chiaroscuro even the emotional journey of Death Stranding 2, accompanied by titles such as Ghost of Yōtei, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Silent Hill fThe latter, with its approach to psychological terror, has generated considerable debate among European survival horror fans.

The section of Best Art Direction It focuses on the year's most distinctive visual features: that's where they coincide Clair Obscur, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei, Hades II and the animated world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, all of them recognized for graphic work that goes beyond technical prowess and focuses on a strong aesthetic identity.

In the category of Best Soundtrack A very similar group reappears, with special attention to Silksong, Hades II and Clair Obscurwhose compositions have been described as some of the most memorable moments of the experience. The list is completed by the music of Ghost of Yotei y Death Stranding 2, which follow the atmospheric and emotional line that already characterized its previous installments or its creators.

The award to Best Audio Design It introduces proposals of very different tones, from the sonic and realistic chaos of Battlefield 6 down to the detailed work in Clair Obscur, Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei and the disturbing Silent Hillwhere sound is used as a central tool to generate tension and discomfort.

Indie games, social impact, and active games

One of the groups that attracts the most attention among European players is the one in Best Indie GameThis year the category includes titles such as Absolum, Ball x Pit, Blue Prince, Clair Obscur, Hades II and Hollow Knight: SilksongIt is striking that some of these projects, despite their independent status, are also competing in the main categories, which demonstrates the level of ambition and quality achieved.

En Best Indie Debut names appear like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur, Despelote, Dispatch and MegabonkAll of them are recognized for their originality. Several have had a particularly strong presence in Europe and Latin America, both through their release on PC and their distribution on current-generation consoles.

The award to Game with Greater Impact It focuses on works with strong social or emotional content: Consume Me, Despelote, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, South of Midnight y Wanderstop They propose experiences that encourage reflection on topics ranging from personal development to concrete social realities, moving away from a purely playful approach.

In the realm of games that remain active with constant updates, Best Active Game It brings together well-known titles: Final Fantasy XIV, FortniteHelldivers 2, Marvel Rivals y No Man's Sky. The category Game with the Most Community Support includes again Fortnite, Final Fantasy XIV, Helldivers 2 y No Man's Sky, plus Baldur's Gate 3, which continues to reap the rewards of its success last year.

All of this reflects a clear trend: the industry continues to invest in long-term projects that remain at the forefront thanks to expansions, updates and seasonsThis fits very well with the gaming habits of many European and Spanish communities.

Genres, adaptations, and most anticipated game

In the pure genre categories, a few constants stand out. Such as Best Action Game appear Battlefield 6, Doom: The Dark Ages, Hades II, Ninja Gaiden 4 y Shinobi: Art of Vengeancea list that mixes shooters massive games, reinterpretations of classic sagas, and proposals with a strong hand-to-hand combat component.

The statuette to Best Action and Adventure Game It will be contested between Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yōtei, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Hollow Knight: Silksong y Split FictionThese titles share elements of exploration, narrative, and combat, but approach them from very different perspectives. Several of them will be especially popular with European audiences, both for their settings and the track record of the studios behind them.

In the section Best RPG names such as Avowed, Clair Obscur, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, The Outer Worlds 2 y Monster Hunter WildsThese categories range from classic Western role-playing games to cooperative hunting experiences. For Spanish gamers who enjoy long role-playing campaigns, this is probably one of the most comprehensive categories of the year.

The award to Best Family Game It will be contested by, among others, Donkey Kong Bananza, LEGO Party!, LEGO Voyagers, Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds y Split FictionThis is a group where Nintendo and its more accessible franchises have a clear presence. These are titles designed to be played with others and shared in the living room.

In the sports and driving segment, EA Sports FC 26, F1 25, Mario Kart World, Rematch y Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds They aspire to be recognized as Best Sports and Driving GameMeanwhile, strategy and simulation enthusiasts will be closely watching the battle between The Alters, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Jurassic World Evolution 3, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, Tempest Rising y Two Point Museum.

Beyond the games, the category of Best Adaptation It awards audiovisual productions based on video games, with nominees such as A Minecraft Movie, Devil May Cry, The Last of Us: Season 2, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch y Until DawnIt's a reflection of how the video game universe is expanding into film and television, something that is closely followed in Europe on streaming platforms. streaming.

In the section Most Anticipated Game The list includes names that have been making headlines for some time: GTA VI, Marvel's Wolverine, Resident Evil Requiem, The Witcher IV y 007: First LightAlthough not all of them will necessarily be present with new material at the gala, the expectation surrounding them is evident and very high, also in the European market.

Esports, content creators, and virtual reality

The competitive dimension of the industry also has its place in The Game Awards 2025. In Best eSports Game A group of regulars remains: Counter-Strike 2, DOTA 2, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang y Valorantall with strong communities in Europe and a prominent presence in professional leagues.

The categories of Best eSports Player y Best eSports Team They include names that are very familiar to those who follow the competitive scene: individual talents such as brawk, Chovy, f0rsakeN, Kakeru, MenaRD and Zyw0o, and organizations such as Gen.G, NRG, Team Falcons, Team Liquid PH y Team VitalityMany of them have a considerable fan base in European countries, including Spain.

En Best Content Creator of the Year The work of profiles that have stood out for their impact on social media and video platforms is recognized, such as Caedrel, Kai Cenat, MoistCr1TiKaL, Sakura Miko y The Burnt PeanutAlthough not all of them have a massive presence in the Spanish-speaking world, their global influence on the conversation about video games is undeniable.

The category of Best Game Virtual Reality or Augmented It brings together experiences designed specifically for these devices, including Alien Rogue Incursion, Arken Age, Ghost Town, Marvel Deadpool VR y The Midnight WalkAlthough VR remains a niche market compared to traditional gaming, Europe is one of the territories where this format is being most actively experimented with.

Meanwhile, the section on Best Mobile Game This reflects the importance of gaming on smartphones, with candidates such as Destiny: Rising, Persona 5: The Phantom X, Sonic Rumble, Umamusume: Pretty Derby y Wuthering Waves, many of them with staggered releases between Asia, America and Europe.

Games and announcements already confirmed for the gala

Beyond the awards, much of the interest in The Game Awards 2025 lies in the ads and trailers which will be presented during the evening. Among the titles already confirmed are Exodus, the first major project from Archetype Entertainment, which will return to the stage where it first became known.

This Action RPG with a science fiction setting He has been described by some as a kind of spiritual successor to Mass EffectVeterans of [unclear] are involved in its development BioWare, Naughty Dog and 343 Industriesand the game features the participation of the actor Matthew McConaughey in its cast. A new trailer is expected that will delve deeper into its universe and the weight of the decisions the player will make.

Another confirmed presence is the New project from Neon Giant studio, Responsable of The Ascent. Her editor, krafton (known as PUBG:Battlegrounds e inZOI), has announced that he will officially present his next video game during the gala, although for now specific details about genre or setting are unknown.

To these announcements must be added the promise of several New developments related to already known franchisesas well as final trailers for games arriving in the first months of 2026. The organizers have hinted that this year's edition will have a special focus on titles with a strong presence on consoles and PC, which implies a direct impact on the European audience.

In the field of mysterious presentationsOne of the most talked-about elements has been the installation of a promotional statue in the Mojave desertSurrounded by skulls, bones, and tentacles, it glows red at night. Geoff Keighley shared images on social media without clarifying which game it belongs to, and has only denied that it's a new one. Diablo or God of WarEverything suggests that her true identity will be revealed during the gala.

Rumors, predictions, and almost certain absences

As every year, the lead-up to The Game Awards is packed with rumors and bets about possible announcements. One of the most talked-about speculations has to do with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time RemakeAlthough several sources point to a launch before April 2026 and a specific date in January has even been mentioned, the official franchise account She has denied that she will appear at the gala, leaving up in the air when and how her return will be made official.

On the other hand, companies like Capcom They maintain a very close relationship with the events organized by Geoff Keighley. It wouldn't be surprising if this edition confirmed release dates for projects presented in previous years, such as Onimusha: Way of the Sword o Pragmatic, which are aiming for 2026 and have been leaving clues in age classification organizations.

There has also been speculation about the possibility of seeing new material from Resident Evil Requiem, scheduled for February, or any news related to Monster Hunter Wildswho has a large fan base in Europe. However, his presence at the gala has not yet been confirmed, so it's best to temper expectations.

In the realm of the most cryptic projects, Remedy Entertainment has recently registered the trademark Resonant Control, most likely connected to the universe of ControlGiven that the studio has already used The Game Awards in the past to present titles such as Alan wake 2Many see this edition as a potential showcase to learn the next big production from the Finnish studio.

On the more unlikely side, names like Grand Theft Auto VI or The Witcher IV have been mentioned in predictions more out of wishful thinking than actual evidence. Rockstar Games usually sets its own independent schedule of major announcements, and CD Projekt RED has already announced that this year will not repeat appearance at The Game Awards with the new installment of The WitcherIt is also unrealistic to expect a formal announcement from Half-Life 3Although there is always room for some documentary content or special material related to the saga.

Special promotions and the mystery game from the Epic Games Store

The media pull of The Game Awards 2025 It is also used outside the stage itself. A clear example is the Epic Games Store, which has scheduled a free mystery game coinciding with the week of the gala, accompanied by a message that directly links this gift to the awards.

The digital store has already announced two more classic-style free titles for these days, but the attention is being drawn to that third surprise, described as a game related to the list of nominees or even with one of the winnersIt has not been specified whether it will be a title in the main category or in secondary categories, but the coincidence with the gala points to a very well-thought-out promotional action.

The mystery will be solved in the early hours of the December 11th at 02:00 in Spain (around 8:00 pm on the East Coast of the United States), practically at the same time as the ceremony begins. In this way, those following the awards from Europe will, in theory, be able to Add the game to your library while the announcements and the awards ceremony continue live.

These kinds of campaigns reinforce the feeling that The Game Awards is no longer just an awards ceremony, but a a global event that brings with it promotions, offers and special deals in digital stores worldwide. For PC gamers in Spain and the rest of Europe, keeping an eye on these releases could mean snagging a standout title at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, other platforms and subscription services are using the proximity of the awards ceremony to highlight the nominated games included in their catalogs, from services like Game Pass to premium console catalogs, taking advantage of the media attention of the moment.

The Game Awards 2025 is presented as a particularly content-packed edition: a gala that can be seen on Spain and Europe comfortably via streamingwith a voting system that combines jury and public, a list of nominees dominated by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Donkey Kong Bananza y Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIMultiple confirmed announcements and rumors surrounding major franchises, as well as parallel promotions like the mystery game on the Epic Games Store, will give those who stay up late a comprehensive glimpse into the future of video games in the coming months.