1. Introduction: The Oscars of Gaming is Here
It is Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and we are mere hours away from the gaming industry's biggest night. The Game Awards (TGA), hosted by Geoff Keighley, airs tomorrow.
This year has been an anomaly. We witnessed the revival of dormant franchises and the birth of genre-defining innovations. Unlike previous years where the winner was a foregone conclusion (like the Elden Ring sweep), 2025 offers a razor-thin race. But before we analyze the contenders, let's answer your most pressing question.
⏰ When to Watch (Global Schedule)
The Game Awards 2025 main ceremony goes live on Thursday, December 11 (US Time) / Friday, December 12 (International):
- Los Angeles (PT): 4:30 PM (Dec 11)
- New York (ET): 7:30 PM (Dec 11)
- London (GMT): 12:30 AM (Dec 12)
- Dubai (GST): 4:30 AM (Dec 12)
- Tehran (IRST): 04:00 AM (Dec 12)
You can watch the event in 4K on the official TGA YouTube and Twitch channels.
2. Game of the Year (GOTY) Nominee Analysis
Six titans are fighting for the throne. Let’s break down their chances.
2.1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Win Probability: 40%
Hideo Kojima has done it again. DS2 didn't just push the Decima Engine to its limits; it blurred the line between cinema and gameplay with performances from Elle Fanning and Norman Reedus. The story is more complex, emotional, and bizarre than the original. Critics love Kojima's willingness to take risks, and TGA historically rewards innovation.
2.2. Ghost of Yotei
Publisher: Sony / Sucker Punch
Win Probability: 35%
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima transported us to 1603 and Mount Yotei. The new protagonist, Atsu, successfully filled Jin Sakai's shoes. Visually, the dynamic weather system and the wind physics across the Hokkaido plains are arguably the most beautiful things we saw this year. If the judges vote for "polish" and "visual splendor," this is the winner.
2.3. Monster Hunter Wilds
Publisher: Capcom
Win Probability: 10%
Capcom proved they are the kings of the Action-RPG genre. The living ecosystem, monsters that hunt each other, and the seamless cross-play system made Wilds the most played online game of the year. While its narrative might not rival Sony's blockbusters, in terms of "pure fun," it has no equal.
2.4. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Publisher: Nintendo
Win Probability: 10%
After an agonizing 8-year wait, Metroid Prime 4 finally launched and exceeded all expectations. The level design is a masterclass. This game serves as the perfect swan song for the original Switch, proving that art direction matters more than raw teraflops.
2.5. DOOM: The Dark Ages & Hades II
The final two nominees are DOOM: The Dark Ages, with its medieval shield-saw violence, and Hades II, the sole representative for indie gaming. While their chances for GOTY are slim, expect them to sweep the "Best Action" and "Best Indie" categories respectively.
3. Other Key Categories
3.1. Best Direction
This award usually goes to a game with a singular, uncompromising artistic vision.
Tekin Plus Prediction: Hideo Kojima (Death Stranding 2). Whether you love him or hate him, his fingerprint is on every frame of the game.
3.2. Best Narrative
The battle here is between Ghost of Yotei and DS2. However, do not sleep on Judas (from Ken Levine, creator of Bioshock), which is a dark horse in this category.
Tekin Plus Prediction: Ghost of Yotei for its grounded, revenge-driven historical epic.
3.3. Most Anticipated Game
There is no competition here.
Winner: Grand Theft Auto VI.
After the second trailer dropped yesterday (December 9) and shook the world, no other game dares to look at this award. Rockstar will likely take the stage, and we might—just might—get an exact release date.
4. World Premieres & Rumors
We know TGA isn't just about awards; it's about the "World Premieres." What can we expect?
4.1. Resident Evil 9
Capcom has a great relationship with Geoff Keighley. Strong rumors suggest that the first gameplay trailer for Resident Evil 9 (Requiem) will debut tomorrow. Leaks from the PlayStation Store hint that Leon Kennedy will return alongside a new protagonist, potentially marking his final chapter.
4.2. Valve's New Hardware
Coinciding with Steam's 20th anniversary, rumors are swirling that Gabe Newell might appear to unveil the Steam Deck 2 or a new VR headset. With the recent launch of AMD's Z2 Extreme chips, the timing for a handheld refresh feels right.
4.3. The Witcher 4
CD Projekt Red has been quiet for too long. Project "Polaris" (The Witcher 4) has entered full production. A short CGI teaser to hype up the fanbase is highly probable.
5. Tekin Plus Verdict: Who Wins?
Our final prediction:
Tonight will be Sony's Night. The main war is between the Samurai and the Auteur.
But our expert opinion? Death Stranding 2: On The Beach will take home the Game of the Year trophy. TGA loves cinematic, boundary-pushing experiences, and Kojima delivered his magnum opus this year.
What do you think? Can Ghost of Yotei upset Kojima? Or will a wild card like Monster Hunter steal the cup? Let us know in the comments.