The Game Awards 2025: Nominees Unveiled with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Stealing the Spotlight

The Game Awards (TGA) is one of gaming’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited annual events, and the 2025 edition promises to set new benchmarks. The nominee list for this year’s awards has been revealed, and it’s leading to immense excitement across the gaming community. With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominating the charts by securing nominations in a staggering 12 categories, alongside highly anticipated titles such as Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, the competition is set to be fierce.

If you’re a gaming enthusiast or simply intrigued by the cultural phenomenon these awards have become, here’s everything you need to know about the nominees and how you can have a voice in crowning this year’s winners.

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A Stellar Lineup of Games

Gaming has entered a golden age, with developers delivering titles that push creative, narrative, and technical boundaries. The Game Awards 2025 nominees reflect this evolution, as a mix of blockbusters and indie gems rise to the spotlight.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Leads the Charge

The surprise juggernaut of this year is none other than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The narrative-heavy sci-fi RPG has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and innovative mechanics. It’s no surprise that it’s leading with nominations in 12 categories, including:

• Game of the Year

• Best Narrative

• Best Game Direction

• Best Art Direction

• Best Performance, to name just a few.

The game has set a new standard for immersive experiences and is a strong contender to sweep several awards.

Other Powerhouses: Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hades 2 from Supergiant Games is following in the footsteps of its predecessor, combining rogue-like mechanics with a deep, emotional narrative. Nominated for pivotal categories like Game of the Year and Best Indie, it’s expected to ignite conversations and hearts at the event. Fans are particularly excited to see if it can surpass the legacy of the original Hades.

Meanwhile, Hollow Knight: Silksong, a widely anticipated sequel, has generated buzz due to its breathtaking handcrafted world and challenging gameplay. It secured nominations in categories such as Best Action/Adventure Game and Best Score and Music. After years of hype, fans are ready for Team Cherry’s masterpiece to take home some well-deserved accolades.

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Key Nominee Categories and Standouts in 2025

To truly grasp the magnitude of the event, let’s take a closer look at some major categories and their nominees:

1. Game of the Year

The most coveted title of the night, Game of the Year, celebrates exceptional games that deliver the best blend of innovation, storytelling, and gameplay.
Nominees:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Hades 2

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Eclipse Chronicles

• Phantom Oasis

• Elderfield: Legacy Reborn

2. Best Narrative

Storytelling is an essential aspect of any game, and this category highlights the titles that excel at weaving unforgettable tales.
Nominees:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• The Forgotten Shores

• Iron Shard Saga

• Hades 2

• Dreamcatcher: Awakening

3. Best Performance

This category honors individual achievements in acting, with voice actors and motion-capture performers demonstrating incredible talent.
Nominees include:

• Rachel Quinn (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)

• Dev Patel (Eclipse Chronicles)

• Laura Bailey (Dreamcatcher: Awakening)

• Troy Baker (Elderfield: Legacy Reborn)

• Ashley Johnson (Hades 2)

4. Best Ongoing Game

For titles that have continued to evolve, offering players new content and innovative updates, this category highlights their excellence:
Nominees:

• Final Fantasy XIV

• Fortnite

• Warframe

• Apex Legends

• Call of Duty: Warzone

Players’ dedication to these ever-evolving ecosystems is an undeniable mark of their greatness.

5. Best Art Direction

Visual storytelling takes center stage here, as games are evaluated for their aesthetic appeal, creativity, and innovation in design.
Nominees:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Solar Echoes

• Eclipse Chronicles

• The Painted Veil

This is where indie games often shine, showcasing impeccable creativity with fewer resources.

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How to Get Involved: Voting for the Winners

One of the best parts of The Game Awards is how it invites players from around the globe to participate directly via voting. Voting is done through the official Game Awards website, which features a simple and user-friendly process:

• Visit the official Game Awards website (www.thegameawards.com).

• Navigate to the Vote Now section.

• Log in or create an account to ensure your votes are counted.

• Go through the list of categories and cast your vote!

Votes from the public are combined with evaluations from a jury of gaming critics, analysts, and industry professionals to determine the winners. Players have until December 11, 2025, to make their voices heard.

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Why The Game Awards Matter

The Game Awards is more than a show; it’s a celebration of the gaming industry’s creativity and progress, providing a platform to honor developers, artists, and performers who push boundaries. From blockbuster AAA titles to indie gems, the awards strive to put every corner of the gaming landscape in the spotlight.

The ceremony also serves as a cultural event where announcements for new games, trailers, and industry insights take center stage. For both fans and creators, the night feels like a festival—a chance to reflect on another breathtaking year for games while looking ahead to what’s next.

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Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The Game Awards 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of gaming’s best achievements. With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading the nominees, and heavyweights like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong vying for glory, the event will undoubtedly capture the world’s attention.

Key takeaways include:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the star of the year with 12 nominations, standing out for its narrative brilliance and innovative gameplay.

• Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong are favorites among fans, making the top categories highly competitive.

• Players have until December 11, 2025, to cast their votes, ensuring their voices shape the winners.

Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just someone curious about the artistry and cultural impact of video games, The Game Awards is a phenomenon you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for the big night, and tune in to see how the future of gaming unfolds.