The GOTY stage is set, and things just got a lot more interesting. With the 11th Game Awards rolling in on December 11, the previous heavy hitter, Grand Theft Auto 6, has been pushed back into 2026 (yikes!). This move has thrown the entire Game of the Year race into chaos, leaving us with a field that’s as unpredictable as your favorite speedrun glitch. Without GTA 6 dominating the conversation, expect a wild ride of surprises this awards season.
Vote Impact and Metric Gold The Game Awards’ panels—yep, Polygon and a bunch of other international gaming media—still have the final say, with fans contributing a cool 10% of the vote. Over in critical land, key elements still reign supreme: a Metascore north of 90, a mix of role-playing magic and action-adventure flair, and of course, story-driven brilliance. Remember Astro Bot’s surprise victory last year? That track record means our current insights might just predict this year’s winner too. We even got four of the six last year’s nominees right, so buckle up.
Front-Runners in the Running Update (May 2): Hot off the press, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been vaulted into GOTY favorite territory. With GTA 6 taking a rain check, Sandfall Interactive’s debut might just steal the show—though it meant pushing Obsidian’s Avowed off the immediate top six. Still, Avowed lurks in the shadows as a relentless dark horse.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Why it could win: If you love role-playing games that serve up an engrossing story with slick production values and eye-popping graphics, this gem is tailor-made for GOTY. Produced by the scrappy, talented team at Sandfall Interactive, its critical acclaim is as dazzling as its visuals. Weaknesses: The big question remains—will enough players (especially amongst the critical community) keep the hype alive through the long haul? With Game Pass on board, it’s got a fighting chance, but can it really claim the top spot?
- Split Fiction Why it could win: Hazelight is riding high on its legacy since It Takes Two’s GOTY win in 2021. With rave reviews and ratings climbing over 90 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic, this co-op adventure packs a punch in all the right places. Its blend of action, adventure, and narrative depth slots it right into the jury’s favorites. Weaknesses: The shadow of It Takes Two still looms large. Some might argue that its formulaic storytelling could feel like a rehash. It’s a story of writers adrift in virtual reality that might not resonate as powerfully in the long term.
- Blue Prince Why it could win: Breaking out of the indie scene is tough, but Blue Prince has done just that. Garnering an impressive 92 Metascore, this indie darling has struck a chord with both critics and players thanks to its deep mystery, mind-teasing puzzles, and captivating narrative. Weaknesses: Accessibility could be an issue here. Compared to more approachable indie nominees like Stray or Inside, Blue Prince’s enigmatic style might work against it if another standout indie like Hades 2 emerges.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Why it could win: Think of Deliverance 2 as the next Black Myth: Wukong, delivering a massive, uncompromising solo adventure. Set in a brutally realistic medieval world with strong narrative weight (and a Metascore of 88), this game reminds us of The Witcher 3’s golden days. Weaknesses: However, controversy still clings to Warhorse’s history (a little reminder of some pro-Gamergate comments from founder Daniel Vávra) plus its niche appeal might not win over a broad audience among jurors despite solid sales.
- Monster Hunter Wilds Why it could win: Monster Hunter has truly evolved, and Wilds stands as its crowning achievement. With smooth, gorgeous visuals and polished gameplay that transforms the classic grind into a sleek RPG experience, it has earned a spot in this fierce race. Weaknesses: Although it shows off a more traditional narrative than previous Monster Hunter titles, its heavy emphasis on systematic equipment grinding might not sit perfectly with the Game Awards’ tastes.
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Why it could win: MachineGames gave us a wildly fun take on the iconic adventurer that almost caught the GOTY boat last year, and with a high-profile PS5 release, it’s back in the mixing pot. Boasting action, cerebral gameplay, and the presence of Troy Baker, this title is a strong contender. Weaknesses: The downside? It’s got a long shelf life—12 months in the spotlight is a tough act to keep up, and, as with many licensed games, it might struggle to sustain the initial buzz despite decent critical scores.
Dark Horses Ready to Pounce Avowed – Obsidian Games’ return to classic fantasy RPG cues nostalgia with its solid storytelling and dependable gameplay, making it a true dark horse in the narrative-driven circle. Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Ubisoft’s latest project is the early-year AAA contender that impressed but may not sustain long-term excitement. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered – While remasters can sometimes break into the GOTY scene (hello, Resident Evil remakes), this handsome reissue of a time-honored classic might need to be bolder to compete. Despelote – This Ecuadorian indie slice-of-life about soccer and childhood is a critical gem. However, without a viral spark, it faces tough competition—especially against indie favorite Blue Prince.
Upcoming Contenders to Watch Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – With Nintendo behind it and the anticipation skyrocketing, Retro Studios’ return to the first-person sci-fi adventure genre could unleash another major contender, possibly along with other SWITCH 2 exclusive hits. Hades 2 – If the roguelike sequel finally steps out of early access this year, expect Supergiant to rally the indie vote once again (and this time, it’s here to settle old score after 2020’s overlook). Death Stranding 2 – Hideo Kojima’s follow-up is sure to make waves, backed by PlayStation’s powerhouse support. After the divisive yet intriguing debut in 2019, multiple rereleases have primed players for this sequel’s explosive potential. Ghost of Yōtei – Sony is on a roll with GOTY contenders, and this open-world samurai adventure could edge out Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows, especially given its bespoke feel and a heritage link to Ghost of Tsushima. Donkey Kong Bananza – As one of Nintendo’s flagship Switch 2 launch titles, this fresh take on the classic is more likely to snag a nomination over its family-friendly cousin, Mario Kart World. Astro Bot’s 2024 win softens the typically strict GOTY standards for platformers, offering a glimmer of hope for this contender.
With such a diverse and exciting slate, it’s safe to say that 2025’s GOTY race will be anything but dull. Whether you’re a die-hard RPG fan, a lover of intricate narratives, or just here for the epic battles on screen, this awards season is shaping up to be a gaming celebration you won’t want to miss. Grab your popcorn—or your controller—and let the countdown begin!
Source: This article was inspired by content from Polygon . All images belong to their respective owners.