Game awards nominees revealed today, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominating as the most nominated game ever with 12 nods. Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei follow closely behind, while indie darling Hades 2 surprises everyone with 6 nominations. The Game Awards winners will be determined soon, and the competition is fiercer than ever.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sets all-time record with 12 Game Awards nominations
- Hades 2 earns 6 nominations across major categories including Best Art Direction and Best Score & Music
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach receives 7 nominations in key award categories
- Nominees unveiled December 11, 2025 with awards ceremony coming soon
The French Studio Breaking Records at Game Awards 2025
Nintendo Switch deals on Amazon slash prices up to 50%: best buys to snag before summer ends
Razer gaming chair wows with RGB but leaves users sore: poor neck and lumbar support
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved an unprecedented milestone in The Game Awards history. The French-developed action RPG has captured 12 nominations, shattering the previous record for most nominations ever received by a single game. This critically acclaimed title, which has already sold over 2 million copies worldwide, dominates across multiple prestigious categories.
The game’s success reflects its Belle Époque-inspired setting, stunning art direction, and gameplay innovations that resonated with both critics and players. Guillaume Broche’s personal project at Sandfall Interactive has evolved into a global phenomenon, earning recognition from The Game Awards’ judging panel and players worldwide. The studio’s attention to detail in crafting a fresh IP has paid dividends.
Death Stranding 2 and PlayStation’s Strong Showing
Edifier G5 Max: 305-hour battery and immersive gaming sound for a surprisingly low price
Asus ROG Swift OLED: blazing OLED display promises competitive gamers a clear edge
Sony PlayStation titles are showing considerable strength in the 2025 nominations, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach securing 7 nominations and Ghost of Yōtei also earning 7 nods. Hideo Kojima’s latest delivery simulation adventure continues his unique vision while attracting mainstream awards attention. The dual PlayStation dominance suggests this could be a banner year for the platform in game industry recognition.
These nominations demonstrate PlayStation’s commitment to bold, experimental titles alongside traditional blockbuster releases. Both games showcase the diversity of experiences available on the platform and appeal to voters who appreciate narrative depth and artistic direction.
Game Awards Nominees Announced Across All Categories
| Game Title | Nomination Count | Key Categories |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | 12 | Game of the Year, Best Direction, Best Art |
| Death Stranding 2 | 7 | Game of the Year, Best Direction |
| Ghost of Yōtei | 7 | Game of the Year, Best Art Direction |
| Hades 2 | 6 | Best Art Direction, Best Score & Music |
Hades 2 Makes Surprising Impact With Six Nominations
Indie sensation Hades 2 has earned recognition with 6 nominations across multiple categories including Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Game Direction, and Best Independent Game. The sequel to the beloved roguelike continues the legacy of Supergiant Games’ distinctive visual style and Darren Korb’s acclaimed soundtrack. Despite being an independent release, it competes directly with major studio productions.
The game’s success underscores how indie developers continue to compete at the highest levels of game industry recognition. Hades 2’s critical reception and player engagement have cemented its place among this year’s most important releases. The six nominations reflect the game’s comprehensive appeal across artistic, musical, and gameplay dimensions that voters clearly valued.
What Do These Nominations Mean For Game Awards 2025?
The Game Awards 2025 ceremony promises to be pivotal for the gaming industry, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 entering as the overwhelming favorite for Game of the Year. The record-breaking nomination count positions the French action RPG as the clear frontrunner, though Death Stranding 2, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Hades 2 will provide competition. Voters will face difficult decisions in categories where genuine quality shines across multiple nominees.
The diversity of nominees across genres and studio sizes reflects The Game Awards’ commitment to recognizing excellence throughout the industry. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings, this year’s slate celebrates gaming’s creative breadth. Will Clair Obscur’s momentum carry it to victory, or will another title upset the heavily favored French studio’s dominance?
Watch: Game Awards 2025 Nominees Revealed
Sources
- Forbes – Game Awards 2025 nominees coverage and predictions
- The New York Times – Official nominee announcement and analysis
- The Guardian – Studio profile and Clair Obscur development story
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.