With the thrilling celebration rapidly approaching, Geoff Keighley announces the nominations for The Game Awards 2025, showcasing the numerous remarkable games launched this year.

Starting its 12th annual event at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles once again, The Game Awards 2025 will be broadcast on December 11, 2025, recognizing exceptional video games released this year, along with voice actors, content creators, and more. As countless gamers look forward to the evening to cheer for their favorite titles and discover many exciting new projects, Geoff Keighley has disclosed the nominees for each category, ranging from Game of the Year to the best Esports team.

From the convenience of their homes, fans can view The Game Awards 2025 on 30 digital platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, Steam, and, for the first time, Prime Video. Alongside the awards show making its debut on Amazon Prime Video, The Game Awards 2025 will stream in 1440p on Twitch for the first time, and viewers watching for 30 minutes of the livestream can earn Twitch Drops, featuring in-game content and exclusive TGA chat badges.

With the nominees announced, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 makes history at The Game Awards, leading with 12 nominations and becoming the most-nominated game in the accolade’s history. Turning to the publishers, Sony Interactive Entertainment holds the highest number of nominations at 19, followed by Kepler Interactive with 13, while Electronic Arts and Microsoft are tied with 10 nominations each.

Fans can explore the list of The Game Awards 2025 nominees for each category below.

The Game Awards 2025 Nominees:

Game of the Year
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
– Donkey Kong Bananza
– Hades II
– Hollow Knight: Silksong
– Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Best Game Direction
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
– Ghost of Yōtei
– Hades II
– Split Fiction

Best Narrative
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
– Ghost of Yōtei
– Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
– Silent Hill f

Best Art Direction
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
– Ghost of Yotei
– Hades 2
– Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Score and Music
– Christopher Larkin – Hollow Knight: Silksong
– Darren Korb – Hades 2
– Lorien Testard – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Toma Otowa – Ghost of Yotei
– Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Best Audio Design
– Battlefield 6
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
– Ghost of Yotei
– Silent Hill f

Best Performance
– Ben Starr – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Charlie Cox – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Erika Ishii – Ghost of Yotei
– Jennifer English – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Konatsu Kato – Silent Hill f
– Troy Baker – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Innovation in Accessibility
– Assassin’s Creed Shadows
– Atomfall
– Doom: The Dark Ages
– EA Sports FC 26
– South of Midnight

Games for Impact
– Consume Me
– Despelote
– Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
– South of Midnight
– Wanderstop

Best Ongoing Games
– Final Fantasy XIV
– Fortnite
– Helldivers 2
– Marvel Rivals
– No Man’s Sky

Best Community Support
– Baldur’s Gate 3
– Final Fantasy XIV
– Fortnite
– Helldivers 2
– No Man’s Sky

Best Independent Game
– Absolum
– Ball x Pit
– Blue Prince
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Hades II
– Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Debut Indie Game
– Blue Prince
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Despelote
– Dispatch
– Megabonk

Best Mobile Game
– Destiny Rising
– Persona 5: The Phantom X
– Sonic Rumble
– Umamusume: Pretty Derby
– Wuthering Waves

Best VR/AR Game
– Alien: Rogue Incursion
– Arken Age
– Ghost Town
– Marvel’s Deadpool VR
– The Midnight Walk

Best Action Game
– Battlefield 6
– Doom: The Dark Ages
– H

**Allegations of Union-Busting Target Rockstar North Following Employee Terminations**

Rockstar North, the prestigious studio responsible for the Grand Theft Auto franchise, finds itself in a storm of controversy after 31 employees were terminated at its UK facilities. The dismissals, which took place on October 30, have been described by more than 200 staff members as “a flagrant, unapologetic act of aggressive union suppression.” The company argues that the firings were due to employees leaking confidential information, but this rationale has faced doubt and criticism from both within the organization and the wider gaming community.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has stepped in, orchestrating a letter backed by over 200 employees calling for the reinstatement of those who were fired. Additionally, the IWGB has organized protests in London and Edinburgh to demonstrate support for the impacted workers. The union has accused Rockstar of unjustly terminating employees involved in union activities and blacklisting its members. Nevertheless, Rockstar has reportedly chosen not to enter into discussions with the IWGB.

This controversy unfolds as employees attempt to create The Rockstar Games Workers Union, which seeks to enhance working conditions, particularly with the impending launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The IWGB President, Alex Marshall, has pledged to take legal action, claiming that the dismissals represent a clear instance of union busting and cautioning other employers in the sector against analogous behaviors.

An unnamed employee, identified as Peter, voiced solidarity with the dismissed colleagues, underscoring the need for management accountability and acknowledging the skill and commitment of Rockstar’s developers. Currently, Rockstar Games has not provided an official response to the IWGB’s initiatives or the ongoing demonstrations.

HoYoverse has announced the newest update for their popular game, Zenless Zone Zero, featuring Version 2.4 titled “On the Precipice of the Abyss.” This update brings new and returning characters, enhancing the game’s roster and providing fresh gameplay experiences for enthusiasts.

The reveal trailer for Version 2.4 was made available earlier today, highlighting the new content and setting the stage for the forthcoming changes. HoYoverse is recognized for its captivating update reveals across its titles, such as Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero is no different. The teaser for “On the Precipice of the Abyss” can be viewed online.

In this update, players will encounter new agents Dialyn and Banyue from the Krampus Compliance Authority. These characters introduce distinct abilities and playstyles to the battlefield, along with new judgment agendas. The narrative continues after a disaster beneath Timesworn Hill is averted, exposing deeper mysteries within Yidhari’s dreamscape.

Surprising alliances are formed as fleeting visions depict Sarah and Ye Shiyuan together, despite Shiyuan’s typical detachment from the Exaltists’ conspiracy. Ye Shunguang, Shiyuan’s sister and the new master of the Qingming Sword, joins the Proxies to unveil the truth behind these occurrences.

Dialyn, an S-Rank Physical Stun Agent, is renowned for her cheeky customer service skills and effectiveness on the battlefield. She utilizes resources like Customer Complaint and Positive Review, excelling in stunning opponents and coordinating team attacks with a Bayonetta-inspired fighting style.

Banyue, an S-Rank Fire Rupture agent and martial arts expert, merges various techniques into a formidable combat style. His gameplay revolves around alternating Adrenaline and Wrathful Fires, rewarding players who master his timing. Returning agents Hugo and Ellen also reappear, offering players another chance to recruit them.

Version 2.4 introduces two new Bangboo companions: Birkblick, equipped with a multifunctional sensor array that transforms into a floating cannon, and Bild N. Boolok, who wields a massive block hammer.

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.4 “On the Precipice of the Abyss” is scheduled for release on November 26 for all platforms. For additional information, fans can visit the official HoYoverse website.

Since its debut in April, *Wildgate* has been consistently updated to improve its environment and balance its gameplay, but players can now anticipate a major content update.

As stated in a press release, Dreamhaven and Moonshot Games are set to unveil their “Emergence” update for *Wildgate* on November 19th, 2025. This update will feature two new game modes along with a new Prospector, various weapons and equipment, a ship, and several new gameplay features.

The “Treasure Hunt” game mode will enable players to navigate the Reach, recover valuable treasures, and escape without being destroyed, offering what’s described as a “somewhat more laid-back experience.” Players will encounter AI-controlled ships (the traditional videogame variety), complete quests, and have the option to extract at their convenience, while also converting their loot into rewards.

The “Fleet Battle” game mode will challenge players against one another in 3v3 matchups, where players can earn points by blasting their respawning foes into space dust or by acquiring multiple Artifacts. Marketed as a “fast-paced, low-stakes 3v3 ship combat,” the Fleet Battle mode will present a more combat-focused experience—something the Moonshot team did not want *Wildgate* to emphasize from the beginning.

Next is the latest Prospector—the Psionic named Charline. Charlie has the ability to instantly revive teammates without the need for channeling, teleport to allies within 150 meters, and is healed by cosmic storms, radiation, fire, and shock fields. With a look reminiscent of *Mass Effect’s* Liara mixed with an Axolotl, they are bound to become a new favorite among fans.

In addition to these major updates, *Wildgate* will introduce a new two-person crew ship called the Outlaw. This ship is resistant to boarding and excels in speed but will not be accessible in Fleet Battle mode. Custom Lobbies are also being implemented, enabling players to host their own *Wildgate* matches. While in Artifact Brawl mode, they can set up a lobby, adjust some basic settings, and invite friends (or competitors)!

Finally, the Emergence update will bring forth the new Dead Worlds Reach Zone. In this hazardous new area of the Reach, ice is limited and danger lurks everywhere. Players will need to utilize vampiric devices to siphon energy from shipwrecks or mysterious crimson towers. A new Alien Point-of-Interest will also be introduced for Artifact Brawl. Additionally, the Emergence update will incorporate the new Resonator weapon, medic drone, and more.

*Wildgate* is accessible on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

I was always going to approach *Petit Planet* with a bit of skepticism. In my review of [*Animal Crossing: New Horizons*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/), I highlighted how significant the series was to my childhood, which undoubtedly makes me somewhat protective of it, especially when [imitators attempt to exploit](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/hokko-life-switch-review/) what they believe reactionary YouTubers desire from it.

Clearly, I’ve never been entirely against developers crafting their interpretation of *Animal Crossing*, but like all [forms of inspiration](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/editorals/game-design-inspiration/), there needs to be an elevation—*Petit Planet* took that notion perhaps too literally and ascended into space. I’m joking, of course, because aside from its distinctive setting, the game genuinely presents a quite substantial experience.

I’ve encountered many previews labeling *Petit Planet* as “HoYoverse’s *Animal Crossing*,” and I honestly tried to steer clear of such derivative analogies, but separating the two is nearly impossible given their shared core attributes. Nevertheless, *Petit Planet* does succeed in forging its identity in ways that are quite captivating.

### “Petit Planet does manage to find ways to create its own identity that make it pretty interesting.”

I couldn’t help but laugh a bit since *Petit Planet* starts almost identically to *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*. You create your character, select a residence, are treated to a brief cinematic about the wonders of ~~island~~…I mean, planetoid life, and then set out to dwell among the stars. It even has you collecting fruits and various items to prepare a modest celebratory meal for your inaugural night on the planet.

However, once you navigate through these resemblances, *Petit Planet* begins to tap into its HoYoverse strengths. While one of *Animal Crossing’s* most significant advantages is its largely hands-off gameplay approach, that same style can sometimes result in boredom due to a lack of direction. One aspect I truly valued about *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* was its gentle guidance towards objectives during the initial days, all while allowing freedom of choice.

*Petit Planet* functions on a comparable principle but enhances it with more RPG-inspired features. It starts with the game’s central mechanic: Luca and the Luca Tree. Luca represents the essence of a planet, its life energy. As players nurture both their planet and friendships, they will accumulate Jars of Luca to nourish the Luca Arbour situated in their planet’s main hub.

With each Jar of Luca poured into the Arbour, players’ planets will develop and transform in subtle ways—whether by uncovering new regions of a planet or introducing new flora/fauna. *Petit Planet* also incorporates *Animal Crossing’s* real-time clock mechanic—which is tied to the HoYoverse server clocks, apologies to time travelers—so while daily events unfold, filling the Luca Jar entails completing small assignments for your neighbors in a quasi-MMO quest manner.

### “And *Petit Planet* does have some interesting ideas that serve to separate it from its inspiration.”

It operates in a somewhat focused live-service format, which felt to me like HoYoverse leaning into its strengths. Moreover, every new character that relocates to the player’s planet comes with an extensive variety of unlockables—very similar to Talent Trees in an RPG—based on how frequently players engage with them to strengthen their bonds. As players enhance these bonds, they can unlock various items for crafting or online socializing.

Comparable to titles like *Genshin Impact* or *Honkai: Star Rail*, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the characters themselves, with each possessing a unique personality and backstory. Unlike *Animal Crossing’s* Villager types (i.e., Jock, Lazy, Big Sister, etc.), characters in *Petit Planet* feel significantly more authentic, and discovering who they are becomes part of the motivation to befriend them.

Additionally, *Petit Planet* presents some intriguing concepts that help distinguish it from its inspiration. I appreciate how tool usage requires energy that can be restored by cooking and consuming food—offering a differentiated incentive for farming and crafting elements compared to *Animal Crossing’s* breakable tools. I enjoy the game’s Starsea Voyages, which function similarly to visiting Nook Miles islands, but with a much more immersive experience of exploring a cosmic ocean in your Space Car.

And since it is an always-online game, *Petit Planet* enhances interaction with other players significantly.

At Korea’s leading gaming event, G-Star 2025, NCSOFT introduced its latest global MMORPG, *Horizon Steel Frontiers*, designed as a mobile multiplayer experience within the *Horizon* universe.

This new MMORPG is crafted in partnership with Guerrilla, known for their work on the core *Horizon* series and *Killzone*. *Horizon Steel Frontiers* is an MMORPG situated in the *Horizon* realm, created solely for mobile devices. This announcement puts to rest earlier speculations that the project had been abandoned.

The game is somewhat separate from the main series, taking place in the Deadlands, the territory of the machine hunters. *Horizon Steel Frontiers* expands upon *Horizon*’s hunting-action gameplay, integrating MMORPG elements that offer highly customizable combat and expansive player agency. The game aspires to provide a unique *Horizon* experience for players worldwide, and NCSOFT has released a new trailer accompanying the announcement that can be viewed below.

The *Horizon* franchise has been a fundamental part of the PlayStation lineup since the launch of *Horizon Zero Dawn* for the PlayStation 4 in 2017. Following its debut, the series has sold millions of copies worldwide, with both *Horizon Zero Dawn* and its sequel ported to Steam, plus a brick version introduced with *LEGO Horizon Adventures*. The main character of *Horizon*, Aloy, has also appeared in the popular HoYoverse game, *Genshin Impact*, as a fully playable character. It’s clear that *Horizon* is a significant franchise.

NCSOFT Chief Corporate Officer, Taekjim Kim, stated, “When I first encountered *Horizon Zero Dawn* in 2017, I was immediately captivated by its vivid and enchanting world. The battles against enormous machine lifeforms were thrilling, and the enigmatic story piqued my interest, making me eager to discover every part of that universe. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of longing that such an amazing world had to be navigated alone,” adding, “I envisioned how exciting it would be to connect with others, to unite and confront these gigantic machines together.” *Horizon Steel Frontiers* embodies a dream fulfilled for the NCSOFT team.

Further details about *Horizon Steel Frontiers* will be disclosed in due course through the [NCSOFT website](https://www.nc.com/).

Valve is making a notable stride into the gaming hardware sector with the unveiling of three new devices intended to broaden the Steam ecosystem beyond the Steam Deck. Following the triumph of the Steam Deck, Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, all of which are crafted to elevate the gaming experience for PC gamers by providing additional avenues to access their game libraries.

Gabe Newell, the president of Valve, conveyed the company’s pleasure with the Steam Deck’s achievements and emphasized the interest from PC gamers for more adaptable gaming alternatives. The new devices will utilize Valve’s hardware expertise and SteamOS to deliver a unified gaming experience.

The Valve Steam Machine is tailored for living room gaming, showcasing a sleek design with a robust AMD Zen 4 processor and RDNA3 GPU, capable of supporting 4K gaming at 60 fps. It delivers notable performance upgrades over the Steam Deck and is prepared to rival modern consoles such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

The upcoming Steam Controller blends design features from both the Steam Deck and the original Steam Controller, ensuring compatibility across different platforms. It boasts advanced thumbsticks, trackpads featuring haptic feedback, and programmable buttons, along with a battery life lasting up to 35 hours.

The Steam Frame is an independent VR headset aimed at rivaling Meta’s Quest series. It boasts a lightweight design, high-resolution displays, and eye-tracking technology for improved performance. The headset accommodates both standalone VR experiences and streaming from a PC via Wi-Fi 6E.

These devices will become available in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, with specific launch details and pricing expected to be revealed in early 2026. Gamers can add these devices to their Steam wishlists and stay updated through Valve’s Steam Hardware blog.

The Game Awards, an internationally acclaimed occasion in the gaming sector, is poised to become even more reachable to viewers around the globe through a new collaboration with Prime Video. Announced through a press release, The Game Awards will, for the first time, be streamed live on Prime Video worldwide, wherever the service is available, at no extra cost to Prime members. This development complements the event’s regular broadcasts on Twitch and YouTube.

Scheduled to be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5–8 PM PT / 8–11 PM ET, The Game Awards 2025 promises an exhilarating lineup. The evening will showcase world premieres, significant new game revelations, and musical acts, alongside accolades honoring the year’s finest games and creators. Adding to the thrill, stars from the Amazon MGM Studios-produced show “Fallout” will make special guest appearances during the event.

Geoff Keighley, the creator and CEO of The Game Awards, shared his excitement about the partnership, declaring, “We’re delighted to extend our global celebration of video games to even more viewers with the inclusion of Prime Video.” He emphasized Prime Video as an ideal platform for the show, especially with the imminent release of “Fallout” Season 2 and a variety of game adaptations.

In another first for the event, The Game Awards 2025 will be available to stream on Twitch in full 2K (1440p) resolution. Viewers tuning in on Twitch will also gain advantages from Twitch Drops, receiving exclusive in-game items and a limited-edition TGA chat badge for watching for 30 minutes or longer. Moreover, Amazon will restart its dedicated shop, “amazon.com/thegameawards,” featuring exclusive, limited-time offers on nominated games, new releases, hardware, and more.

The Game Awards 2025 is set to be streamed live on December 11th, 2025, from 5–8 PM PT / 8–11 PM EST, promising an unforgettable experience for gaming fans around the globe.

Following months of anticipation, NetEase Games has at last revealed the newest information regarding Season 5 for *Marvel Rivals*, which is set to launch in just a few days. Season 5 of *Marvel Rivals* will prominently showcase the [X-Men](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/movie/deadpool-and-wolverine-review/), commencing with the introduction of Gambit, the beloved Cajun-accented trickster.

This update will bring forth a fresh, non-combat map located in Times Square, New York City, along with new modes and features, including an exciting Conquest (Annihilation) mode. NetEase also assures smaller yet significant quality-of-life improvements and updates to enhance the overall experience, featuring cross-platform progression, which has been accessible in early access, allowing players to synchronize their accounts across both PC and console versions of *Marvel Rivals*.

The Season 5 update of *Marvel Rivals* will also commemorate the first anniversary of the well-loved Hero (and Villain) shooter, with the update’s theme revolving around Gambit and Rogue’s wedding, which, in true comic book style, goes awry, setting the stage for the new season that NetEase cleverly names *Love is a Battlefield*.

Moreover, *Marvel Rivals* Season 5 will introduce a new mode, the 18 vs 18 Conquest (Annihilation). In this mode, players “will engage in epic clashes on the brand-new Grand Garden map, ensuring unforgettable chaos and enjoyment.” The Conquest mode is scheduled to launch on November 27th, 2025. The team has also mentioned the ongoing development of the recently launched [*Marvel Zombies* PvE mode](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/marvel-rivals-zombies-pve-trailer-mode/), stating, “In 2026, players can look forward to more PvE content, with further details to follow.”

Season 5 of *Marvel Rivals* is set to debut on November 14, 2025, but for those eager to learn more about the latest update, NetEase has released the newest [Dev Vision 11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgH0wM59_Sk), which outlines the thrilling season ahead. The full one-year celebration for *Marvel Rivals* will commence later this month on November 27, 2025.

This Tuesday’s PlayStation State of Play will be a distinctive episode, emphasizing games developed in Japan and throughout Asia. With The Game Awards approaching and the year’s end drawing nearer, announcements regarding games continue to come in. This Tuesday’s PlayStation State of Play will be a distinctive episode, emphasizing games developed in Japan and throughout Asia. The presentation will be led by voice actor Yuki Kaji, who will be presenting games, conducting interviews, and providing fresh insights on eagerly awaited titles. This State of Play is set to commence at 7:00 AM JST (2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET). The Japanese PlayStation YouTube channel will feature a complete Japanese-language version, while the PlayStation YouTube channel will showcase Japanese audio with English subtitles.

As stated by Sony, the show is anticipated to exceed 40 minutes in duration, mainly “concentrating on games produced in Japan and across Asia, along with a few other thrilling updates.” While this might suggest that Western-developed PlayStation first-party titles such as Housemarque’s Saros, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet may not take center stage in this State of Play, there are numerous exciting prospects to showcase. One of these titles is Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, currently in development in Japan by Arc System Works alongside Sony and Marvel Games. This is the same studio responsible for the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series.

Another potential highlight in this special State of Play could involve Where Winds Meet. It is an upcoming action game developed by Chinese studio Everstone Studio. The game was previously confirmed as a PlayStation exclusive upon release. Where Winds Meet is an epic Wuxia open-world action-adventure RPG set in ancient China during the tenth century. Players take on the role of a young sword master on a quest to unveil the secrets of their own identity. With a global launch anticipated this Friday, November 14th, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see a final promotional piece.

Additional noteworthy titles include the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC, Phantom Blade Zero, Tides of Annihilation, and Petit Planet (a new cozy life simulation game from the creators of Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail). And like many Souls enthusiasts out there, we can only keep hoping for a new teaser for Bloodborne.

State of Play Japan will be broadcast on YouTube on November 11 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 11pm CEST | November 12 at 7am JST.