Game Award Predictions

It’s the most prestigious fan award show of the year - the Game Awards 2025, hosted by Geoff Keighley, will celebrate the biggest games of the year, showcasing studios from around the world and their creations. This is where mind-blowing WORLD PREMIERES are shown for the very first time, creating hype levels that even GTA’s creators could only dream of. It’s where all the years of late nights, early mornings, and extra work come together to highlight the amazing video game industry, talented studios, single-creator masterpieces, and the infamous Game of the Year… What game will be crowned the 2025 Game of the Year?

Well, let’s start predicting who we think will win, what we think will be shown off for the first time, and maybe… just maybe, what won’t be there!

Let’s start there - let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way early: what won’t be there. Valve doesn’t need a showcase for the heavily rumored Half-Life 3. Or do they? Many fans have dreamed of the day that Half-Life 3 will be revealed to the world. Rumors are circulating about code found in other Valve games, leaks suggesting the game is in production, and Geoff Keighley himself was asking fans, “What is the one game you would like to see the most?”

SO… Do you think Half-Life 3 will be at this year's Game Awards? I’ve gone back and forth on this. Valve doesn’t need the Game Awards - they revealed three new pieces of hardware and sent the internet into a meltdown. Valve clearly doesn’t need the award show. However, YES, I think Half-Life 3 will be revealed during the award show. (I convinced myself that HL3 will be there after breaking down all my own theories)

Here’s why: Geoff is hinting at something big for this year with his social posts. We’ve seen Geoff temper expectations in the past, something he hasn’t done this year. He also has a great relationship with Valve. He had the special feature with Half-Life: Alyx, though fans were disappointed to find out it was VR and not the next Half-Life they had hoped for. There has been more buzz, leaks, and conversation than any other year leading up to the Game Awards.

Lastly, Valve just announced three new pieces of hardware for 2026. Though the Steam Machine is set to be on the higher end of the price tag, long-time fans who have waited and waited for the next installment - who don’t own a gaming PC - will certainly buy a Steam Machine to play Half-Life 3. The game will be the system seller and launch day-and-date with the Steam Machine. Valve will look to own the console living room space because of Half-Life 3.

What do you think of this prediction? Let me know in our Discord or on our socials.

Okay, the elephant is out of the room. Now, let’s move on - what will be a big reveal? I honestly feel, for the most part, Xbox has shown its hand. However, PlayStation has been able to hold back, keeping its lips sealed and its games close to its chest. But is it time? Is it time to reveal the next God of War?

No, it's not time to reveal the next big installment in the God of War series from the team at Santa Monica - it’s only been three years since Ragnarok released. But it is time to release the rumored God of War Metroidvania-style spin-off game, not to be confused with the canceled project from Bluepoint Games’ live service experience.

Some safe bets - easy free-throw shots: I expect to see more Wolverine, showcasing more in-depth gameplay, and we’ll see more of 007: First Light. I know IO Interactive is really pushing their new James Bond game whenever they can, so expect to see those.

As I mentioned earlier, Xbox has shown a lot of its hand already, but they are always crafting something else for fans to feast their eyes on. I’m hoping to see something new. A new IP would be nice; however, I think we’ll see Halo Studios reveal their next Halo title - title in progress, but they want fans to get excited and create hype after losing most of their fans with Halo Infinite, which is no longer getting supported. The team will reveal a glimpse of the next Halo to keep some goodwill with the fans.

Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 has been nominated for 12 awards - Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and more. Sandfall Interactive has created something truly special with their debut game; another award they have been nominated for is Best Debut Indie Game. Sandfall will take home 10 out of 12 awards.

Lastly, Game of the Year! The biggest award of the night, held until the very end of the show. This year’s Game of the Year nominees are:

  • Clair Obscure: Expedition 33
  • Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Hades II
  • Hollow Knight: Silksong
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

It has certainly been one hell of a year! Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 shocked the world. Kojima released the continued journey of Sam Porter Bridges with Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Donkey Kong Bananza got the love it deserves, along with Hades II’s masterful gameplay. The highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong - a game that many, Team Cherry included, thought might never see the light of day - finally reached its audience and shone so brightly. Or the breathtaking journey across Bohemia with Henry at your side with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It’s been an outstanding year for players to feast on not only the Game of the Year nominees but all of the incredible games we’ve played this year.

BUT, there can only be one Game of the Year. Are you thinking the same as me? Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is going to take Game of the Year! Not only is this Sandfall Interactive’s debut game, but they also completely redefined a genre - which feels nearly impossible to do these days. Sandfall Interactive now has Square Enix looking into how they design their Final Fantasy series and its turn-based combat. Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 has been a monumental shift in the industry, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Expect to see a lot of the team from Sandfall Interactive standing on stage accepting awards throughout the night.

Okay, let’s recap my final predictions:

  1. YES, we will finally see the reveal of Half-Life 3.
  2. A new God of War Metroidvania game will be revealed.
  3. We’ll see more on gameplay for Wolverine and 007: First Light.
  4. Halo Studios will tease the next Halo game.
  5. Sandfall Interactive will take home 10 awards for Clair Obscure: Expedition 33.
  6. Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 will win Game of the Year.

What are your predictions for the Game Awards this year? Drop by our Discord and let us know what you hope to see, or if you agree or disagree with any of my predictions.