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The moment Geoff Keighley stepped onto the Peacock Theater stage and opened up about losing his father and his home in the LA fires, you knew this year’s Game Awards would hit different. What followed was a rollercoaster of emotional tributes, jaw-dropping announcements, and a historic indie victory that nobody saw coming.
For over three hours, the gaming world stood still as announcements rolled in like waves crashing against the shore. From the resurrection of beloved franchises to the crowning of an unexpected champion, The Game Awards 2025 delivered a night that will be talked about for years to come.
Clair obscur expedition 33 rewrites history
In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the industry, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 from Belgian studio Sandfall Interactive claimed the Game of the Year trophy. This wasn’t just any win. The game swept through the ceremony like a force of nature, collecting five awards including Best Narrative, Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best RPG, and Best Debut Indie Game.
What makes this victory remarkable is the studio’s origin story. As creative director Guillaume Broche revealed during his acceptance speech, the team started in 2021 with just four people painting the walls of a small rented office. They had no idea how to make a game and learned through YouTube tutorials.
The win represents a significant shift in the industry. Three of this year’s six Game of the Year nominees came from independent studios, a record-breaking achievement that signals changing tides in how we define gaming excellence.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Game of the Year | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best Narrative | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best Game Direction | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best Art Direction | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best RPG | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best Debut Indie Game | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best Action Game | Hades II |
| Best Independent Game | Clair Obscur Expedition 33 |
| Best Multiplayer | Arc Raiders |
| Best Performance | Jennifer England |
Mega man legends 3 finally becomes reality
After years of fan campaigns, petitions, and broken dreams, Capcom dropped the announcement everyone had given up hoping for. Mega Man Legends 3 is officially happening, scheduled for 2027.
The reveal included early gameplay footage showcasing a return to the classic 2D style that defined the beloved series. For longtime fans who remember the devastating cancellation of the original Mega Man Legends 3 project back in 2011, this announcement felt like vindication.
Leon kennedy returns in resident evil requiem
Capcom wasn’t done surprising fans. Resident Evil Requiem received an extended showcase revealing that Leon S. Kennedy, one of gaming’s most iconic characters, will return as a playable protagonist alongside newcomer Grace Grimes.
The game promises an interesting split in gameplay philosophy. Grace’s storyline delivers classic survival horror tension while Leon brings explosive action sequences. February 2026 cannot arrive soon enough for horror enthusiasts.
Lara croft gets not one but two new adventures
Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games announced a double feature for Tomb Raider fans. First comes Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis in 2026, a complete reimagining of Lara’s 1996 debut celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Following that, Tomb Raider Catalyst arrives in 2027 as an entirely new adventure described as Lara’s biggest quest yet.
The dual announcement strategy ensures Tomb Raider remains relevant while giving developers time to craft something truly special for the franchise’s future.
Phantom blade zero locks in september 2026
The stylish action game that has been turning heads since its initial reveal finally received a concrete release window. Phantom Blade Zero launches in September 2026 for PlayStation and PC.
The extended gameplay demonstration showcased fluid combat mechanics and striking visual design that blends Chinese martial arts with dark fantasy elements. The wait continues, but at least now there’s a finish line in sight.
Larian confirms divinity sequel bigger than baldur’s gate 3
Remember that mysterious desert statue that had the internet buzzing with theories? The Hellstone marks Larian Studios’ return to the Divinity universe with their most ambitious project ever.
According to the announcement, this new Divinity game will feature more breadth and depth than Baldur’s Gate 3. Considering that game won Game of the Year in 2023 and still receives community support awards in 2025, those are massive expectations to set.
Star wars returns to the old republic era
Casey Hudson, the creative mind behind Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect trilogy, unveiled Star Wars Fate of the Old Republic. This single-player action RPG marks Hudson’s return to the galaxy far, far away after years away from the franchise.
The announcement drew perhaps the loudest reaction of the night, connecting decades of gaming history with the promise of new adventures in one of Star Wars’ most beloved eras.
Street fighter movie cast takes the stage
In one of the evening’s most energetic moments, the entire cast of the upcoming Street Fighter film stormed the stage. Jason Momoa as Blanka, Roman Reigns as Akuma, Andrew Koji as Ryu, and over a dozen other stars brought chaotic energy that perfectly matched their source material.
The film wraps production and heads to theaters in late 2026, promising to finally deliver the Street Fighter adaptation fans deserve.
Hollow knight silksong wins best action adventure
Team Cherry’s long-awaited sequel collected the Best Action Adventure award, proving that patience and polish still matter in an industry obsessed with quick releases. The game also earned a Best Art Direction nomination, cementing its status as a genuine masterpiece.
Other notable announcements worth tracking
The show delivered announcement after announcement across every genre imaginable:
Control Resonant brings Remedy Entertainment back to the Federal Bureau of Control in 2026. Gang of Dragon from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi introduces an entirely new universe. Total War Warhammer 40K combines two beloved franchises. Ace Combat returns in 2026. For Loop from Bad Robot Games reimagines cooperative gameplay with a time-loop twist.
High Guard from former Apex Legends developers launches in just seven weeks, offering immediate gratification in a show typically focused on distant release dates.
The emotional core of the ceremony
Beyond the announcements and awards, The Game Awards 2025 carried genuine emotional weight. Keighley’s opening monologue about personal loss resonated with anyone who has turned to games during difficult times. The Girls Make Games organization received the TGA Game Changer Award, highlighting the importance of nurturing future creators.
Jennifer England’s Best Performance win for Clair Obscur Expedition 33 included a powerful message for neurodivergent viewers, acknowledging that life often feels stuck on hard mode while celebrating gaming as a community that offers genuine belonging.
What this means for gaming’s future
The dominance of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 sends a clear message to the industry. Passionate teams with limited resources can compete with and defeat massive studios when creativity and heart drive development. Three independent games reaching Game of the Year nomination status represents a fundamental shift in how excellence gets defined.
The sheer volume of announcements also reveals an industry ready to deliver major releases across 2026 and 2027. From survival horror to racing games, from medieval RPGs to sci-fi adventures, every type of player has something to anticipate.
You can watch the complete ceremony in stunning 4K60FPS on YouTube or explore detailed information about every award on Wikipedia. For official coverage and voting information, visit The Game Awards official website.
Which announcement from The Game Awards 2025 has you most excited, and did Clair Obscur Expedition 33 deserve its clean sweep of major awards?
1 comment
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