The GOATs of 2025: Gaming’s Best Contenders for Game of the Year

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A breakout hit that stunned players and critics alike. With its mix of RPG mechanics, haunting art direction, and a story that stays with you long after the credits roll, Expedition 33 is more than a game — it’s a journey. For many, this is the title to beat.

Split Fiction
From the creators of It Takes Two comes another co-op masterpiece. Split Fiction proves once again that storytelling is even more powerful when shared. It’s clever, emotional, and endlessly replayable, cementing its place among 2025’s finest.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Hideo Kojima is back with a sequel that expands on the surreal vision of the original. Bigger, bolder, and more ambitious, Death Stranding 2 is a polarizing but unforgettable experience that shows what happens when a creator refuses to play it safe.

Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo’s iconic ape returned in 2025 with an adventure that mixes nostalgia with fresh ideas. Colorful, challenging, and endlessly fun, Bananza reminded everyone why platformers will always have a place in the gaming pantheon.

Blue Prince
Proof that indie games can stand shoulder to shoulder with blockbusters. Blue Prince blends puzzles, atmosphere, and originality in a way that captured hearts worldwide. It’s the kind of game that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.

Hades 2
When Hades became an instant classic, many wondered if a sequel could live up to the name. Hades 2 didn’t just meet expectations — it blew past them. With deeper combat, richer storytelling, and stunning replayability, it’s a true contender for the crown.

2025 has given us a lineup of GOATs — a mix of indies and AAA blockbusters, sequels and originals, each pushing the industry forward in their own way. Whether it’s the artistry of Expedition 33, the co-op brilliance of Split Fiction, or the addictive perfection of Hades 2, this year’s Game of the Year race isn’t about one winner — it’s about celebrating just how good gaming can be.