The nominations for The Game Awards 2025 have been announced, and the absence of one highly anticipated title has significantly altered the competitive landscape. Grand Theft Auto VI, long expected to dominate the awards, has been officially delayed to May 26, 2026, leaving the contest for Game of the Year (GOTY) wide open. Analysts suggest that if historical trends hold, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, directed by Hideo Kojima, may emerge as the statistical favorite to win the coveted trophy this December.
Key Takeaways:
– Grand Theft Auto VI is not eligible for the 2025 awards due to its delay.
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, set for release in June, boasts high critical scores, positioning it as a frontrunner.
– Monster Hunter Wilds and Ghost of Yōtei are the strongest contenders based on critical reception.
– Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, releasing on December 4, 2025, will miss the eligibility cutoff for this year.
The Impact of the GTA VI Delay
The most significant change in this year’s awards is the absence of Grand Theft Auto VI. This title was anticipated to be a formidable contender for the Game of the Year award. Its delay has removed what many considered an unbeatable frontrunner, creating space for other high-quality games. Historical data indicates that previous winners, such as Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3, achieved Metacritic scores of 96. Without a dominant title boasting a score above 97 this year, the award is likely to go to a game scoring in the low-to-mid 90s.
The shift in dynamics favors Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which has received acclaim for its stunning visuals and engaging narrative. Despite some mixed responses to its gameplay mechanics, the game’s overall reception positions it as a leading contender. Notably, Kojima’s work has historically resonated well with the media outlets that form 90% of the voting jury. If the jury prioritizes creative vision, Death Stranding 2 could leverage its artistic strengths to claim victory.
Strong Contenders Await
While Death Stranding 2 stands out, it is not without competition. Two other major titles are in the running. Monster Hunter Wilds, released in February 2025, has garnered a loyal player base and consistent praise throughout the year. Capcom’s ability to engage critics and expand the franchise’s audience may play to its advantage.
On the other hand, Ghost of Yōtei, a sequel to the acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, launched in October 2025. Its recent release offers a potential “recency bias”, keeping it fresh in voters’ minds. The game is noted for its polished open-world experience, appealing to fans who appreciated the original. Should voters favor traditional gameplay over Kojima’s experimental style, Ghost of Yōtei could emerge as a surprise winner.
Fans of the Metroid franchise will find themselves disappointed this year. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed for release on December 4, 2025, but it will miss the typical mid-November cutoff for awards eligibility. As a result, it will likely compete in the 2026 ceremony against a potentially resurgent Grand Theft Auto VI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is GTA VI not nominated for Game of the Year 2025?
A: Rockstar Games has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, making it ineligible for the 2025 awards.
Q: Can Metroid Prime 4 win Game of the Year this year?
A: No, its release date of December 4, 2025 means it will not meet the mid-November eligibility cutoff.
Q: Who votes for the winners?
A: The winners are determined through a blended voting system, with 90% from a jury of global media and influencers, and 10% from fan voting.
Q: When is The Game Awards 2025?
A: The event will be streamed live on December 12, 2025, showcasing the best in gaming for the year.
The evolving landscape of The Game Awards 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for deserving titles to shine in the absence of a dominant force. As the ceremony approaches, the gaming community eagerly anticipates which title will ultimately claim the prestigious Game of the Year award.
