The announcement of nominees for The Game Awards 2025 has shifted the spotlight dramatically. With the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, the competition for Game of the Year (GOTY) has opened up significantly, allowing other titles to take center stage. Analysts had long viewed GTA VI as the frontrunner, but its absence leaves Death Stranding 2: On the Beach as a leading contender, bolstered by strong critical acclaim.
Shifting Dynamics in the Gaming Landscape
The delay of GTA VI has left a notable gap in this year’s awards. Once considered an “impossible to beat” title, its postponement allows other high-quality games to emerge as serious contenders. Historically, games with Metacritic scores of around 96, such as Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3, have claimed victory. With no title achieving a score above 97 this year, the winner is more likely to emerge from the low-to-mid 90s range.
The performance of Death Stranding 2, released in June 2025, has positioned it favorably within these metrics. Critics have praised its visuals and narrative, despite some mixed reactions to its gameplay mechanics. Given that Hideo Kojima, the game’s creator, enjoys considerable favor among media outlets—who make up 90% of the voting jury—it stands to reason that artistic direction may take precedence in this year’s voting.
Formidable Competitors Emerge
Despite Death Stranding 2‘s strong position, there are formidable challengers. Monster Hunter Wilds, released in February 2025, has garnered consistent praise and maintained a robust player base throughout the year. Capcom’s reputation for delivering quality games enhances its chances, as this title successfully broadened the franchise’s appeal.
Additionally, Ghost of Yōtei, the sequel to the acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, debuted in October 2025. Its recent release provides it with a “recency bias,” keeping it fresh in the minds of voters. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, this polished open-world game appeals to fans who enjoyed the first installment. Should voters lean toward traditional gaming experiences over Kojima’s experimental approach, Ghost of Yōtei could potentially upset the frontrunner.
The situation is particularly disheartening for fans of the Metroid franchise. Although Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to launch on December 4, 2025, its release places it outside the eligibility cutoff for this year’s awards, which typically occurs in mid-November. As a result, it will likely compete in the 2026 ceremony against GTA VI.
In summary, while the absence of GTA VI has shifted the competitive landscape, it has also created an opportunity for other titles to shine. The results of The Game Awards 2025, scheduled to stream live on December 12, 2025, will reveal which game emerges victorious in this newly altered race.
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, making it ineligible 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, which falls after the typical mid-November cutoff for nominations.
Q: Who votes for the winners?
A: The winner is determined by a blended vote, consisting of 90% from a jury of global media and influencer outlets and 10% from fan voting.
Q: When is The Game Awards 2025?
A: The event will stream live on December 12, 2025.
