Golden Joysticks snub big games, indies take over
Independent game developers dominated the Golden Joysticks 2025 Ultimate Game of the Year shortlist announced on Monday, claiming seven of 12 nominations despite a crowded field of major studio releases throughout the year. The recognition marks the first major awards ceremony to reveal its top game category for 2025.
Five independently produced titles without backing from large publishers earned spots on the list. Blue Prince, Hades II, Peak, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong each received nominations. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Split Fiction round out the independent developer entries, though both received support from established publishers. The remaining nominees are Ghost of Yotei, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Silent Hill f, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Donkey Kong Bananza.
Several high-profile releases from established studios failed to cut. DOOM: The Dark Ages, Borderlands 4, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Monster Hunter Wilds, Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Battlefield 6 were absent from consideration. Public voting determines the winner after a jury selects nominees. Balloting opened on Monday for anyone wishing to participate in selecting the year’s best game.
