The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 are officially set for November 20, taking place live in London. As one of the gaming industry’s most respected fan-voted events, this year marks the 43rd edition of the awards, and anticipation is higher than ever. With over 21 million votes cast across categories, the ceremony promises to celebrate creativity, storytelling, and technical brilliance in gaming.
This year’s Ultimate Game of the Year nominees include a mix of indie favorites and blockbuster sequels, creating one of the most competitive lineups in recent memory.
Golden Joystick Awards 2025 – Ultimate Game of the Year Nominees
| Game Title | Developer / Publisher | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | Team Cherry | Action / Metroidvania |
| Ghost of Yotei | Capcom | Action Adventure |
| Elden Ring: Nightreign | FromSoftware | Open-World RPG |
| Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | MachineGames / Bethesda | Adventure |
| Death Stranding 2: On The Beach | Kojima Productions | Sci-Fi Narrative |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Nintendo | Platformer |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | Sandfall Interactive | Turn-Based RPG |
| Hades II | Supergiant Games | Roguelike |
| Kingdom Come: Deliverance II | Warhorse Studios | Historical RPG |
| Blue Prince | Dogubomb | Puzzle Strategy |
| Silent Hill f | Konami | Psychological Horror |
| Split Fiction | EA Originals | Narrative Thriller |
This table showcases the diversity and ambition behind the nominees. From the haunting world of Silent Hill f to the poetic design of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the lineup reflects how gaming has evolved as both art and entertainment.
A Celebration of Creativity and Player Voice
Unlike other industry awards, the Golden Joystick Awards thrive on community participation. Players, not just critics, determine the winners, giving fans direct influence over which games take home the golden trophy. Each vote adds to a collective voice that defines the state of gaming in 2025.
As gaming continues to expand across genres and platforms, the inclusion of titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II alongside AAA giants like Elden Ring: Nightreign and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle showcases the balance between artistic vision and large-scale production.
What Makes 2025’s Awards Special
This year’s ceremony also celebrates innovation in game music, art direction, and storytelling. Developers have pushed creative boundaries, crafting worlds that connect emotionally and intellectually with players. From the rich soundscapes of Death Stranding 2 to the surreal environments in Blue Prince, every nominee represents a new direction for the medium.
The event also honors emerging developers, recognizing the studios shaping the next era of gaming. With titles like Ghost of Yotei and Split Fiction earning nominations, it’s clear that fresh voices are redefining what games can achieve.
Fan Anticipation Builds Worldwide
Social media is already buzzing with predictions and debates. Fans are championing their favorite titles, and gaming forums are filled with passionate discussions about who deserves the crown. Whether you’re rooting for a classic series comeback or an indie underdog, the Golden Joysticks unite the gaming world under one shared excitement: celebrating games that inspire, challenge, and entertain.
As the countdown to November 20 continues, gamers worldwide are preparing to tune in and witness who takes home the Ultimate Game of the Year.
Golden Joystick Awards 2025 – FAQ
Final Thoughts
The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 stand as a reminder of why players love this medium, innovation, creativity, and passion. Whether it’s Hades II’s dynamic combat, Death Stranding 2’s cinematic vision, or Hollow Knight: Silksong’s handcrafted beauty, this year’s nominees represent the best of gaming’s artistry and imagination.
Stay tuned as the gaming world comes together on November 20 to celebrate another unforgettable year in interactive entertainment.
Golden Joystick Awards 2025
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