Indies and diversity win big at The Game Awards 2025
Indie games and games with diverse representation were the shining stars and backbone of the Game Awards 2025. From Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 winning nearly all of the categories they were nominated in, to South of Midnight winning in the ‘Games for Impact’ category, there were many highlights and snubs throughout the night celebrating video games alongside world premiere game trailers that left us excited for what’s to come.
All categories were packed with heavy hitters who all were worthy of accolades. But here are all of the winners from the 2025 Game Awards with my own commentary about each one, where appropriate.
Games for Impact
South of Midnight
I was hoping South of Midnight won something during the Game Awards. The core of this game is Black Southern Culture, and when playing most can tell it was not only a labor of love but also one of deep respect. While I wish more of its impact was discussed on stage, especially since Black gamers face so much racial based hate within the gaming space, and the unwanted racial attacks the game was given by bigots, I am happy to know that South of Midnight is coming to other platforms.
Players’ Voice
Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a fun game with great voice acting, amazing combat and compelling story. While I expected Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to win in this category, I am happy to see Wuthering Waves get recognized as well.
Game of the Year
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
I knew within five minutes of playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 that it was game of the year. The natural progression of story telling, the voice acting, beautiful soundtrack and deep themes of loss and perseverance made this the obvious choice for game of the year. What makes it even better is that this is not only an indie title but Sandfall Interactive’s breakout title.
Best Game Direction
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Everything about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to its smallest detail is nothing short of a masterpiece. During the acceptance speech, one of the developers mentioned how many teams and pieces of the puzzle it takes to create a game, with the last ingredient being us the gamers. It was heartwarming to get a glimpse into the company culture of Sandfall Games and learn more about their ‘insane’ [their words], timeline from ‘Hey do you want to make a video game?’, to winning awards at the 2025 Game Awards.
Best Adaptation
The Last of Us: Season 2
I am very surprised that this won being that Season 2 was not well received.
Best Narrative
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The narrative of this game had me hooked right from the beginning. It constantly kept me on my toes, obliterating my theories left and right but kept me on the edge of my couch as the story unfolded. This was well deserved. I was rooting for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or Silent Hill f in this category.
Best Art Direction
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Best Score And Music
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
My next vinyl will be the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 vinyl. It is literally next up on my wish list. To hear the music sung live as well as a rendition by the TGA’s orchestra was beauty to my ears.
Best Audio Design
Battlefield 6
Best Performance
Jennifer English
Maelle is my favorite character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! I was rooting for Jennifer and Erika Ishii (Ghost of Yotei) to win.
Innovation In Accessibility
Doom: The Dark Ages
Best Ongoing Game
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is a wonderful game that I personally find calming. I love that this game still has so much support after the years and that it is also an indie title.
Best Community Support
Baldur’s Gate 3
I can attest that Baldur’s Gate 3 has one of the most supportive and creative communities. I love that after winning GOTY in 2023 they are still winning awards. Genuinely a game with some of the best queer representation.
Best Independent Game
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Indies are not only the heartbeat of the games industry, but in my opinion carries the industry on its back. So often with larger companies with large teams the dynamics shift from creativity to appeasing shareholders. Indie games, to me, tend to be creative and story driven first, centering the art knowing that the funding will surely come after if you make a good enough experience. I love that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not only GOTY and also won in this category too.
Best Debut Indie Game
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
During the acceptance speech for GOTY, one of the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developers mentioned learning how to make a game step-by-step by watching YouTube tutorials. For this to not only be an indie title but also Sandfall’s debut title is something to be appreciated.
Best Mobile Game
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Best Action Game
Hades II
This was well deserved. Hades II not only has incredible queer representation, but the combat, art and sound design is beautiful.
Best Action Adventure Game
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best RPG
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
From last year’s winner Metaphor: ReFantazio to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a beautiful example of centering storytelling and creative narratives audiences will love.
Best Family Game
Donkey Kong Bananza
Best Sim/Strategy Game
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
Best Sports/Racing
Mario Kart World
Best Multiplayer
Arc Raiders
Most Anticipated Game
Grand Theft Auto VI
Best VR/AR Game
The Midnight Walk
Best Fighting Game
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Content Creator of the Year
MoistCr1TiKaL
Best Esports Game
Counter-Strike 2
Best Esports Athlete
Chovy
Best Esports Team
Team Vitality – Counter-Strike 2
While we celebrate an amazing year of video game releases and world premiere trailers; it is important to remember that there were substantial layoffs in the games industry that affected many lives, including my own.
It is important to remember to not only support the games we love to play but to remember that there are people behind the scenes that make our favorite hobbies become reality. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.
Watch the The Game Awards 2025 show here!
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