The Game Awards 2025 games winners have officially been announced, wrapping up another unforgettable night that celebrated the best in gaming from the past year. Hosted by Geoff Keighley at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on December 12, 2025, the annual show brought together developers, players, and industry icons for an evening filled with triumphs, surprises, and spectacular new reveals.
This year’s event showcased just how diverse and ambitious modern gaming has become — from the artistic brilliance of Alan Wake 2 to the sweeping fantasy of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. With record-breaking votes from both fans and critics, the 2025 ceremony highlighted excellence in storytelling, design, and technological innovation.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Wins Game of the Year
The most prestigious title of the night — Game of the Year (GOTY) — went to Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. FromSoftware’s massive expansion to its already legendary RPG stunned fans and critics alike with its sprawling new environments, intense boss battles, and deeper lore.
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki accepted the award, thanking fans for their dedication and acknowledging the hard work of the global development team. The win solidified FromSoftware’s reputation as one of the most influential studios of the modern era.
Other nominees in the category were:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Alan Wake 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Black Myth: Wukong
While each game had a passionate following, Shadow of the Erdtree’s mix of mystery, exploration, and challenge made it a standout favorite.
Alan Wake 2 Takes Best Game Direction
Remedy Entertainment won Best Game Direction for Alan Wake 2, a haunting sequel that pushed creative boundaries in both narrative structure and visual design.
The award recognized the game’s daring approach — blending psychological horror, detective storytelling, and cinematic presentation. With its fusion of live-action sequences and seamless gameplay, Alan Wake 2 set a new standard for narrative-driven games.
Remedy’s team, led by creative director Sam Lake, thanked players for embracing their vision, calling the project “a love letter to storytelling through interactive art.”
Baldur’s Gate 3 Continues Its Winning Streak with Best Narrative
Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 earned the Best Narrative award, proving once again why it remains one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. The game’s deep dialogue options, branching storylines, and unforgettable characters kept fans and critics engaged long after release.
The studio’s CEO, Swen Vincke, thanked players for their emotional connection to the story and their continued support. Even a year after launch, Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to dominate award seasons, reinforcing its status as a modern classic.
Black Myth: Wukong Shines with Best Art Direction
Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Chinese studio Game Science, took home the Best Art Direction trophy — a historic win for an Asian studio at The Game Awards.
The action RPG impressed audiences with its stunning depiction of Chinese mythology, intricate creature designs, and vibrant world built on Unreal Engine 5. Each scene felt like a living painting, merging cultural heritage with cutting-edge visuals.
Its victory was not just a technical achievement but also a milestone moment for global gaming representation.
Best Score and Music — Alan Wake 2 Creates Sonic Mastery
The haunting soundscape of Alan Wake 2 won Best Score and Music, composed by Petri Alanko and Remedy’s in-house team. The soundtrack blended eerie melodies with cinematic intensity, perfectly matching the game’s psychological tension.
The win highlighted how sound design can elevate storytelling — with each track deepening the emotional weight of the game’s narrative.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Wins Best Audio Design
The Best Audio Design category went to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Judges praised its realistic soundscapes — from the distinct echo of gunfire to the immersive battlefield noise that brought each mission to life.
Developers from Infinity Ward noted that the team spent months refining every sound detail to enhance realism and player immersion.
Melanie Liburd Wins Best Performance for Alan Wake 2
In one of the night’s most emotional moments, Melanie Liburd won Best Performance for her portrayal of Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2. Her powerful performance brought authenticity and depth to the game’s eerie world.
Her acceptance speech drew a standing ovation as she thanked fans, Remedy Entertainment, and her fellow cast members for their creative collaboration.
Other nominees included:
- Neil Newbon (Baldur’s Gate 3)
- Idris Elba (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty)
- Yuri Lowenthal (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2)
- Cameron Monaghan (Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)
Best Independent Game — Dave the Diver Wins Hearts and Votes
The lighthearted indie hit Dave the Diver won Best Independent Game, a testament to how small studios can create magic through creativity and humor.
Developed by Mintrocket, the game’s quirky blend of deep-sea exploration and sushi restaurant management earned it worldwide acclaim. Its balance of fun storytelling and engaging gameplay charmed players of all ages.
Best Ongoing Game — Final Fantasy XIV Maintains Its Legacy
For the fifth consecutive year, Final Fantasy XIV took home Best Ongoing Game, reaffirming its dominance in the MMORPG space.
Developed by Square Enix, the title continues to deliver new expansions, events, and fan engagement that keep its community thriving. The award recognized its dedication to consistent quality and storytelling innovation.
Best Community Support — Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 earned its second award of the evening, winning Best Community Support. Fans praised Larian Studios for its open communication, frequent patches, and continued transparency.
The studio’s ongoing updates and responsiveness have set a new gold standard for community relations in modern gaming.
Armored Core VI Dominates Best Action Game
FromSoftware added another win to its resume with Best Action Game for Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. The title brought the beloved mech combat franchise back to prominence with high-speed battles, tactical depth, and jaw-dropping visuals.
Fans celebrated its success as a reminder that old franchises can return stronger than ever.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Takes Best Action/Adventure Game
Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 won Best Action/Adventure Game, recognized for its refined combat system, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking recreation of New York City.
With dual protagonists — Peter Parker and Miles Morales — the game delivered one of the most cinematic superhero experiences ever made.
Best Role-Playing Game — Baldur’s Gate 3 Triumphs Again
In another major win, Baldur’s Gate 3 earned Best RPG honors, underscoring its deep narrative design and player freedom.
Larian Studios’ commitment to choice-based gameplay, complex characters, and emotional storytelling made it a defining title in RPG history.
Tekken 8 Named Best Fighting Game
Bandai Namco’s Tekken 8 captured Best Fighting Game, rewarding its bold new mechanics, fluid animations, and improved online infrastructure. The series’ return drew praise from both veterans and newcomers, reestablishing Tekken as a top-tier competitive fighter.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Wins Best Family Game
Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder earned the Best Family Game award, enchanting audiences with its creativity and charm. The colorful 2D adventure, filled with surprises and fresh mechanics, brought generations together in classic Mario fashion.
EA Sports FC 25 Wins Best Sports/Racing Game
EA Sports FC 25, the first in EA’s rebranded football series, won Best Sports/Racing Game. Judges praised its refined physics, lifelike player animations, and expanded career features.
Despite the franchise’s split from FIFA, EA Sports FC proved that its core gameplay still leads the genre.
Most Anticipated Game for 2026 — The Elder Scrolls VI
Bethesda’s long-awaited The Elder Scrolls VI took the award for Most Anticipated Game, thanks to a stunning new teaser shown during the show.
Fans around the world reacted with excitement, eager to return to Tamriel for what promises to be another massive open-world experience.
Special Awards and Industry Recognition
Hideo Kojima received the Industry Icon Award, honoring his decades-long influence on gaming innovation and storytelling. Kojima also premiered a new trailer for his upcoming project OD, a collaboration with filmmaker Jordan Peele that drew massive buzz.
The Innovation in Accessibility Award went to Forza Motorsport, celebrating its groundbreaking features that allow players with disabilities to fully enjoy high-performance racing.
World Premieres and Major Reveals
Beyond the awards, the 2025 ceremony was filled with jaw-dropping premieres and announcements:
- Grand Theft Auto VI debuted a new gameplay trailer, confirming a 2026 release window.
- Death Stranding 2 revealed an extended look at its surreal world.
- Fable and Perfect Dark showcased fresh gameplay footage.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong finally received an official release date.
These reveals fueled excitement for 2026, signaling another stellar year ahead for the gaming industry.
Final Thoughts
The Game Awards 2025 games winners reflected a year defined by artistic ambition, player passion, and technical brilliance. From FromSoftware’s haunting worldbuilding to Larian’s storytelling mastery, each winner represented a different corner of what makes gaming powerful and universal.
Which 2025 winner was your favorite? Join the discussion below and celebrate gaming’s greatest achievements.