In a remarkable turn of events at the 2025 Steam Awards, Hollow Knight Silksong has emerged victorious, clinching the coveted Game of the Year title. This accolade, determined by user votes, reflects the preferences of a diverse gaming community and serves as a barometer for popular sentiment within the PC gaming landscape. While the game may not have triumphed at Geoff Keighley’s Game Awards, its success on the Valve platform underscores its widespread appeal. Notably, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also garnered recognition, securing the award for Best Soundtrack, highlighting the rich tapestry of creativity present in this year’s nominations.
A Closer Look at the Winners
The competition for the top prize was fierce, with Hollow Knight Silksong besting contenders such as Expedition 33, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Arc Raiders, and Dispatch. The victory resonates personally, as it was my own choice for the top spot. At PCGamesN, our staff awarded the title to Clair Obscur, a game that has certainly earned its place in my heart. Team Cherry’s achievement was further solidified with the ‘Best Game You Suck At’ award, making it the only title to secure two wins this year.
While Valve has not released a detailed list of top earners, Hollow Knight Silksong managed to ascend to the ‘platinum’ tier of bestsellers, alongside Arc Raiders and KCD2. The game’s accessible price point of , currently discounted to during the Steam Winter Sale, suggests a robust sales performance among PC gamers.
In other noteworthy categories, Baldur’s Gate 3 was honored with the ‘Labor of Love’ award, recognizing its ongoing support and updates. It faced stiff competition from titles like No Man’s Sky, which has seen transformative changes this year, including the introduction of co-op ships. With Larian Studios now shifting focus to a new Divinity game, this may be the final opportunity for Baldur’s Gate 3 to claim this accolade. CEO Swen Vincke expressed gratitude on social media, stating, “This feels really good. Thank you!”
Meanwhile, Hades 2 was celebrated as the ‘Best Game on Steam Deck,’ and Dispatch emerged as a surprise winner for ‘Outstanding Story-Rich Game,’ a category that had many strong contenders, including KCD2. Expedition 33 also shone brightly with its award for Best Soundtrack. The year was marked by a plethora of engaging titles, with Peak taking home the ‘Better With Friends’ award, a testament to its replayability.
In the realm of visual artistry, Silent Hill f claimed the award for ‘Outstanding Visual Style,’ a recognition that resonates with players who have experienced its intense atmosphere. The Midnight Walk was named ‘VR Game of the Year,’ while the cozy co-op driving game RV There Yet won the ‘Sit Back and Relax’ award.
Perhaps the most unexpected accolade went to Arc Raiders, which secured the title for ‘Most Innovative Gameplay.’ This recognition speaks to Embark Studios’ efforts in expanding the extraction shooter genre to a broader audience, aided by a substantial player base. It stands as a testament to the game’s unique approach, allowing it to shine amidst formidable competitors like Mage Arena and the critically acclaimed Blue Prince.
Overall, the 2025 Steam Awards reflect a year where smaller studios and innovative creations have triumphed over traditional triple-A titles. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is encouraging to see distinctive voices and ideas take center stage, reminding us that the PC gaming ecosystem remains a fertile ground for creativity and ambition. As we look ahead to 2026, there is a sense of anticipation that many of the standout titles will emerge from the realms of the unknown, waiting to capture our imaginations.
