1. Introduction: The Toughest Year for TGA Judges
1.1. Moving Past 2024 into the Golden Age of 2025
If 2023 was the year of "Titans" and 2024 was the "Calm Before the Storm," then 2025 is undoubtedly the year of "Insane Variety." Geoff Keighley and The Game Awards jury faced a challenge this year perhaps unprecedented in the last decade: How do you weigh a classic action-shooter like DOOM against a philosophical, complex work like Death Stranding 2?
This year's list signifies the industry's maturity. Photorealistic graphics are no longer the sole criteria; this year, "Gameplay Innovation" and "Artistic Boldness" reign supreme. The nominee list screams that the era of repetitive, Ubisoft-style formulas is over, and audiences are thirsty for fresh experiences.
1.2. This Year's Stats: Eastern Dominance or Western Comeback?
An interesting statistical note this year is the strong presence of Eastern studios. With Capcom, Kojima Productions, and Sony (Sucker Punch Team) in the mix, it seems the scales are tipping back towards the East. Conversely, Western studios rely on their deep-rooted franchises (like Fable and DOOM) to hold their ground.
2. GOTY Nominees Analysis: Battle of the 6 Kings
2.1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Cinema or Game?
Hideo Kojima has broken the rules once again. DS2 isn't just a game; it's a visual experience blurring the lines between Hollywood and gaming. The graphics on the PS5 Pro are mind-blowing, and the performances by Norman Reedus and Elle Fanning are Oscar-worthy. However, Tekin Plus critics believe the niche "Delivery" gameplay remains an Achilles' heel for the general audience. Will the TGA judges be mesmerized by the story or the gameplay?
2.2. Monster Hunter Wilds: Evolution of a Winning Formula
Capcom performed flawlessly this year. Monster Hunter Wilds not only features the largest world in the series' history but has also shifted the standards of monster-hunting games with its dynamic weather system and living ecosystem. This game offers the "purest" gameplay experience among the nominees and has a high chance of snatching the top prize.
2.3. Ghost of Yotei: The Samurai Draw Their Swords Again
Sony returns with the spiritual successor to Ghost of Tsushima. "Ghost of Yotei" takes all the strengths of its predecessor and polishes them to perfection. A tale of revenge at the foot of Mount Yōtei, combined with new combat mechanics featuring dual swords and firearms (matchlock guns), makes it a formidable contender. It represents "Safe but Excellent Evolution."
2.4. DOOM: The Dark Ages: Return of the Shooter King
id Software took us to the Middle Ages, but with a shotgun! The Dark Ages is brutal, fast, and relentless. It is nominated to remind everyone that a "Video Game" must, first and foremost, be "Fun." If the judges are looking for "Pure Fun," DOOM is the undisputed winner.
2.5. Hades II: Can Indies Repeat History?
Supergiant Games is the only studio that has managed to land back on the main list with an indie sequel. Hades II improves upon the first game in every way. Melinoë is a more compelling protagonist, and the magic system adds strange depth to combat. Its presence alongside multi-hundred-million-dollar giants is a victory in itself.
3. The Snubs: Who Got Left Behind?
3.1. Why Was Assassin’s Creed Shadows Ignored?
The biggest shock of the year was the absence of Assassin’s Creed Shadows from the GOTY list. Although the game sold well, it seems technical issues at launch and a repetitive gameplay loop caused the judges to deem it unworthy of the top 6. This is a clear message to major publishers: "A massive world isn't enough; where is the soul of the game?"
3.2. The Disappointing Fall of Live Service Titles
This year marked the death of many Live Service titles. Games that were supposed to be the "Next Destiny" failed to even get nominated in the "Best Ongoing" category. This indicates that the industry (and judges) are tired of aggressive monetization models and are gravitating back towards single-player narrative experiences.
4. Technical & Artistic Analysis
4.1. Best Art Direction: A War of Colors and Light
In this category, the main competition is between Ghost of Yotei and Hades II. One charms with the photorealistic, cinematic aesthetic of Feudal Japan, while the other captivates with hand-drawn art and neon Greek colors. Tekin Plus prediction? The winner will likely be Hades II due to its unique visual identity.
4.2. Best Narrative: Kojima vs. Rockstar?
Will Mick Gordon (or his successors) blow the roof off the venue with heavy DOOM metal, or will the emotional, quiet notes of Death Stranding 2 bring the audience to tears? Music is the soul of a game, and this year sees a strange contrast between "Rage" and "Sorrow" among the nominees.
5. Tekin Plus Final Verdict: Who Wins?
Making a final choice is incredibly difficult, but let's analyze. TGA judges typically love titles that "push the industry forward."
- The Favorite: Death Stranding 2. Geoff Keighley loves Kojima, and this game is the most advanced in terms of technology and narrative.
- The Dark Horse: Monster Hunter Wilds. If the judges focus on "Gameplay," nothing touches it.
- Players' Voice: Likely Ghost of Yotei or DOOM, as they have more passionate fanbases online.
What do you think? Was your favorite game robbed? Let us know in the comments which game is your "Game of the Year."