The Game Awards Kick Off Thursday With Clair Obscur Leading 2025’s Record-Breaking Nominee List

The Game Awards return Thursday night, and this year’s ceremony promises major announcements, high-stakes competition, and one of the strongest lineups in recent gaming history. At the center of the excitement is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which enters the show with a groundbreaking 12 nominations—the most in the event’s history.

Broadcasting live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on December 11 at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET, the ceremony will stream across YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter/X, Steam, and Amazon Prime Video.

Clair Obscur Makes History With 12 Nominations

Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads across nearly every major category, including Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score, and Best Audio Design.

Its artistic style, emotional storytelling, and innovative combat have positioned it as the runaway favorite. Analysts expect Clair Obscur to dominate technical categories and potentially sweep the night.

The French studio’s explosive debut has quickly become one of 2025’s most celebrated gaming achievements.

Strong Competition From PlayStation Heavyweights

While Clair Obscur leads the nominations, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and Ghost of Yōtei follow closely with seven nominations each. Both titles have been praised for their cinematic design and bold creative direction, giving the Game of the Year category unusually fierce competition.

Other top nominees include Hades II (6 nominations), Hollow Knight: Silksong (5), Donkey Kong Bananza, Genshin Impact, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, showcasing a remarkably diverse year for gaming.

Where and How to Watch

The Game Awards will air globally with a preshow beginning at 4:30 PM PT. Viewers on Twitch will also see the show in 2K resolution for the first time.

Host Geoff Keighley returns for his 12th consecutive year, teasing numerous world premieres, surprise trailers, and exclusive reveals. The live event at the Peacock Theater is expected to draw developers, creators, and top industry talent.

Major Announcements Already Confirmed

One of the night’s biggest moments will be the first reveal of the next Tomb Raider game, marking a new era in the franchise. Insiders also anticipate updates on Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3, several Silent Hill projects, and multiple unannounced AAA titles.

Keighley emphasized that premieres remain the backbone of The Game Awards. Viewership continues to climb each year as fans tune in for unexpected reveals from both major studios and indie creators.

Game of the Year: Who Wins?

The Game of the Year finalists include:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

• Donkey Kong Bananza

• Hades II

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

• Metaphor: ReFantazio

Clair Obscur enters as the heavy favorite, but Death Stranding 2’s ambitious narrative and Ghost of Yōtei’s artistic acclaim could shift the outcome. The final call comes Thursday night as the gaming industry crowns its 2025 winner.