The gaming community anticipated that GTA 6 would dominate this year and take every award from game shows. Unfortunately, Rockstar Games made the tough call to delay the game a full year. While this may upset hardcore fans, this delay paves the way for other games to take the spotlight. There is no shortage of great games released this year, and the competition does look fierce. Here are a few games with a better chance of becoming Game of the Year 2025.
7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
This Assassin’s Creed entry had a similar situation with GTA 6; both games faced delays. Ubisoft is aware about how recent projects failed to hit the mark and fell below player expectations and took the necessary steps to improve Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Fortunately, the decision to move the game a few months into 2025 allowed the developers to polish the game and took player feedback into account. The Japanese setting won over fans and some drew comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima.
The dual protagonist system encouraged different playstyles and the visuals were on point. Players can fight as a samurai brawler as Yasuke or go old-school to become a silent assassin as Naoe. Both protagonists have compelling arcs and it was a massive step up from previous titles. While the game isn’t perfect and a bit rough around the edges, the franchise has always had a high-profile and the name alone could secure a nomination for Game of the Year.
6. Monster Hunter Wilds
The Monster Hunter franchise has been around for quite some time, and Capcom might have peaked with this entry. Monster Hunter Wilds was released early this year and the developers took everything great about previous entries and came out swinging. The overworld feels lived in and hunting enemy monsters in the wild felt better than ever. The combat is much more refined and the environment is full of details.
This franchise has been around a while and built up a loyal fanbase, similarly to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It is worth mentioning that Monster Hunter World was in the running for Game of the Year 2018, perhaps Monster Hunter Wilds will succeed where it failed and take the trophy for Capcom.
5. Split Fiction
Hazelight Studios defied the odds and won Game of the Year 2021 with It Takes Two, a co-op game full of heart and exciting puzzles and challenges. Split Fiction is an original story that features two writers trying to make it big by working together to stop a corrupt CEO from stealing their stories. The gameplay always feels fresh, especially as players step into a new story across the science fiction and fantasy genres.
The story encourages players to trust one another as Zoe and Mio did to get through obstacles. While each writer has their respective areas of expertise, it is up to the other to guide them in different levels. Hazelight Studios struck gold with Split Fiction and a live-action adaptation is already in the works. It is a testament to Fares’ talent and his approach to storytelling by having two compelling protagonists who want the same thing.
4. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is the definition of a perfect sequel, and it has what it takes to win Game of the Year. Warhorse Studios sent the gaming community back to medieval times to fill in the shoes of Henry of Skalitz, a young blacksmith with a quest to avenge his loved ones. It is impressive how a noble quest for justice sets players on a journey to establish relationships, saving lives, and prevent an usurper taking the throne.
The story itself is compelling; however, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 shines in its attention to detail. Every little thing reacts to how you interact with the world. The food in Henry’s inventory can be spoiled and consuming it will have negative effects, which is a nice touch to encourage players to check what they have. The combat is a massive improvement, especially with the directional swing and lack of crosshairs for ranged attacks. These details up the stakes and offers a realistic and immersive experience.
3. Ghost of Yotei
While Ghost of Yotei is a sequel to a great game, another thing backing this title from winning Game of the Year is that it has the PlayStation banner to support it. Almost every first-party Sony title is a guaranteed nomination, and Sucker Punch Productions spoke of highly about this project as its biggest open-world yet. The original game was a breath of fresh air and was this close to winning in 2020; however, the award went to a fellow Sony title, The Last of Us Part 2, but the gaming community still had its back.
Sony Interactive Entertainment confidently announced the release date a few weeks back with a stunning trailer, and some fans believed Rockstar Games would retaliate by announcing the release of GTA 6 nearby. Fortunately, players can focus on playing one major title later this year and have enough time to wrap up the snowy regions Mount Yotei before heading to the sunny beaches of Vice City next year. Perhaps Ghost of Yotei could achieve what Ghost of Tsushima couldn’t during The Game Awards.
2. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Even though this game has yet to be released, expectations are high for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. While the original game was nominated in 2019, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Not everyone was fond of walking from point A to B with heavy cargo on their backs as they evade creatures from the other side, but public opinion shifted during the pandemic. The irony is that the gaming community understood Kojima’s message as everyone was forced indoors to fill in the shoes of Porter.
Director Hideo Kojima has been a great contributor to the video game industry and his name alone can secure a nomination. Early testers spoke highly of this sequel and how it reinvents the mechanics of the original game with necessary improvements. The world of Death Stranding is unlike any other and Kojima knows how to blend a creative story with unique visuals, and the game is packed with a stellar cast. Kojima Productions is breaking new ground for accessibility by allowing players to skip boss battles.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an original turn-based RPG adventure developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. The developers introduced a dark world where a benevolent Paintress gets to decide who lives and dies by painting a certain number. Survivors became expeditioners who bravely set out of Lumiere and explore the Continent to lift this curse. The game features similar elements to other JRPG franchises like Persona and Final Fantasy.
The visuals are breathtaking, but the lore is the cherry on top. It is worth mentioning that Sandfall Interactive hired a stellar cast of voice actors like Daredevil himself, Charlie Cox, as Gustave and the legendary Andy Serkis as Renoir. Every cast member brought their best performance for this project and it was enough to amplify the narrative. This game is perfect for fans of a challenging turn-based combat system with real-time elements.
For more Thumb Wars coverage, check out how the post-credit scene of Thunderbolts* ties into Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, or how the GTA 6 trailer teased the return of a classic character. Otherwise, follow Thumb Wars on X, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news, reviews, and interviews!
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Rouvin Josef Quirimit is a Content Writer, an avid gamer (on his PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch), and film enthusiast. He was fortunate to grow up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was enamored by the storytelling of a shared universe full of heart and spectacle. His love for movies led him to great single-player games and he intends to cover major franchises for years to come!
