We’re about halfway through 2025, and the competition for game of the year is already looking steep with plenty of impressive releases to choose from. The race for GOTY is tight, and we’ve still got even more releases to look forward to.
There have been pretty frequent massive releases since 2025 began, so there’s a decent chance you may have forgotten some of the big ones. So, let’s talk about what’s been released so far, what’s still to come, and what we think might secure that number one spot for GOTY.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33seems like it’s probably the overall top contender, with massive praise and rave reviews surrounding the RPG. With a gorgeous world, a star-studdedvoice cast, and engaging turn-based gameplay, it’s a truly unique masterpiece worthy of that GOTY title.Fans are already calling it a shoo-in for GOTY, and I honestly think they’re probably right.
The stunning open-world RPGKingdom Come: Deliverance IIis another top pick for GOTY. It basically takes everything that’s great about the first one and builds upon it to create a worthy successor and must-play for all RPG fans.
Despite being a prequel,DOOM: The Dark Agesdoes a similar thing, as it also builds upon what players already know and love to deliver something even better. As good as it is, there aresome playerswho do view it as the worst in theDOOMfranchise. Not to say that it isn’t good, because it certainly is, but it does have a lot to live up to and might not secure that GOTY title because of this.
Blue Princeis absolute puzzle perfection, with complex challenges sure to keep you engaged from start to finish. There’s really nothing else like it, especially not released this year, and it really stands out thanks to its unique premise and gameplay.
Split Fictionis another contender, and it has a special place in my heart with its charming storyline and superb co-op play. I didn’t think theIt Takes Twodevs could top their last masterpiece, but they certainly matched and possibly exceeded it with this one.
Cozy gamers are also really lovingFantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, with its cute art style, endless gameplay options, and addictive gameplay. It’s a seriously good time, especially if you’re into games likeAnimal CrossingorThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
There are already strong options across most genres, and we haven’t even talked about what’s left on the roster for the rest of 2025 yet. Sadly, this no longer includesGTA 6, which would certainly be in the race if it were coming out this year, but there’s still lots to look forward to.Borderlands 4,Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,Ghost of Yōtei, andTales of the Shireare some of the many games still slated for release before the end of 2025 that might jump into this race, but we won’t know for sure until they’re out.
So, what do you think, Destructoid? Will the GOTY be one of the stellar choices that have already been released, or something else on the horizon? If I had to pick,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33seems like the most deserving and popular choice, but a strong case can be made for any of the games I mentioned here, and I’m sure there also are others I missed.
