The nominees for The Game Awards 2025 are officially out, and the absence of one major title has completely changed the conversation. For nearly two years, analysts predicted Grand Theft Auto VI would sweep the 2025 awards. However, with Rockstar Games officially delaying the title to May 2026, the race for Game of the Year (GOTY) is now a wide-open battle. If the voting jury follows historical Metacritic trends, Hideo Kojima’s latest sci-fi epic might be the statistical favorite to take home the trophy this December.
Key Takeaways
- Grand Theft Auto VI is not eligible for the 2025 awards due to its delay to May 26, 2026.
- Death Stranding 2: On The Beach (June 2025) currently holds high critic scores, making it a frontrunner.
- Monster Hunter Wilds and Ghost of Yōtei are the strongest challengers based on critical reception.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond releases on December 4, 2025, missing the mid-November cutoff for this year’s ceremony.
The Void Left by GTA VI
The biggest news of the season is what is not on the list. Grand Theft Auto VI was the heavy favorite to dominate 2025. Its delay to 2026 has removed the “impossible to beat” giant from the competition. This shift allows other high-quality titles to shine. In previous years, games like Elden Ring or Baldur’s Gate 3 won with Metascores of 96. With no single game dominating the charts with a 97+ score this year, the winner will likely be a title with a score in the low-to-mid 90s.
The Kojima Advantage
Without GTA, the math favors Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Released in June 2025, the game secured high praise for its visuals and narrative, despite some divisive gameplay mechanics. Hideo Kojima is a favorite among the media outlets that make up 90% of the voting jury. If the voters prioritize artistic vision and direction, common in years without a massive blockbuster, Death Stranding 2 is the statistical leader. Its Metacritic performance aligns with past winners like The Last of Us Part II, which won despite polarized fan reactions.
The Challengers: Capcom and Sony
Two other major titles stand in the way. Monster Hunter Wilds, released back in February, has maintained a strong player base and consistent praise throughout the year. Capcom games generally poll well with critics, and Wilds successfully expanded the franchise’s audience.
Meanwhile, Ghost of Yōtei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, launched in October. Its late release gives it the “recency bias” advantage, voters have it fresh in their minds. Sucker Punch Productions delivered a polished, beautiful open-world game that appeals to the same voters who loved the first one. If voters prefer traditional fun over Kojima’s experimental style, Ghost of Yōtei could easily steal the win.
The Heartbreak for Metroid Fans
Nintendo fans face a disappointment purely due to the calendar. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed for release on December 4, 2025. The Game Awards typically sets its eligibility cutoff in mid-November. This means Metroid Prime 4 will likely have to wait until the 2026 ceremony to compete, pitting it directly against GTA VI next year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is GTA VI not nominated for Game of the Year 2025?
A: Rockstar Games delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026. Therefore, it is not eligible for the 2025 awards.
Q: Can Metroid Prime 4-win Game of the Year this year?
A: No. Its release date is December 4, 2025. The cutoff for nominations is usually mid-November. It will likely be eligible for the 2026 awards.
Q: Who votes for the winners?
A: The winner is determined by a blended vote: 90% comes from a jury of global media and influencer outlets, and 10% comes from fan voting.
Q: When is The Game Awards 2025?
A: The event will stream live on December 12, 2025.
