nominees Archives

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 stripped of IGA’s Game of the Year gong as its generative AI use comes under inspection

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has had its two awards revoked by the Indie Game Awards (IGA) due to the studio's use of generative AI tools during development, which violated the IGA's eligibility criteria that prohibit such practices. Mike Towndrow from Six One Indie confirmed the decision, stating that Sandfall Interactive acknowledged the use of generative AI on the day of the award show. As a result, the Game of the Year award has been awarded to Blue Prince, and the Debut Game award to Sorry We're Closed. Sandfall had previously faced scrutiny for its substantial budget, which some argued contradicted the indie spirit.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

The Steam Winter Sale kicks off with deals on some of 2025’s biggest games

The Steam Winter Sale has officially started, offering significant discounts on popular titles of 2025, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which is now half its original price. The Steam Awards nominees have been announced, and voting is open until the sale ends, with winners revealed on January 3, 2026. The year-end Replay feature shows that only 14% of playtime was on new releases. Other platforms, such as the Epic Games Store and GOG, are also running sales, with Epic offering a holiday game giveaway of 17 free games. The Steam Winter Sale will run until January 2 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

The Game Awards live coverage: Every reveal and announcement as it happens

Geoff Keighley is engaging audiences on social media ahead of The Game Awards, teasing announcements and appearances. Confirmed highlights include potential developments for Tomb Raider, a new look at Resident Evil Requiem, the sci-fi RPG Exodus, and a new project from Neon Giant. The preshow starts at 4:30 PM PT, with live updates from staff writer Morgan Park. Keighley shared coordinates to a mysterious statue in the California desert, leading to speculation about its connection to games, particularly a new project from Larian Studios related to "Divinity." Rumored titles generating buzz include Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Control: Resonant, a Diablo 4 expansion, an Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake, and a Max Payne Remake. Game of the Year nominees include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has already won Best Independent Game and Best Family Game for Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as Innovation in Accessibility for Doom: The Dark Ages. A demo for Pragmata was announced, set for release in April 2026. Clair Obscur faced its first loss in the Players Voice category but secured the title of Game of the Year, bringing its total awards to ten.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Catch up on the GOTY conversation with these Game Awards nominees on Xbox Game Pass

The Golden Joystick Awards have concluded, and discussions about Game of the Year are increasing as The Game Awards approach. Xbox Game Pass provides access to many acclaimed games from the year. The latest installment of Ninja Gaiden, featuring the character Yakumo, continues the series' tradition of precision gameplay and intense battles. Hades, a nominee for Game of the Year in 2020 and winner of multiple awards, allows players to control Zagreus as he attempts to escape the underworld, encountering gods and engaging in combat. Hades is recognized for its unique gameplay loop and character development, and its sequel, Hades 2, has also received several nominations.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Fallout co-creator says modern games “don’t really know what they want to be,” and I don’t need to look too hard for examples

The modern gaming landscape, especially in triple-A titles, is characterized by high budgets and a strong drive for mass appeal, which can dilute quality. Tim Cain, co-creator of Fallout, critiques this trend, advocating for a focused approach reminiscent of 1980s game design. He differentiates between games that achieve mass appeal through exceptional execution, like Skyrim and Baldur's Gate 3, and those that attempt to appeal broadly but lack distinct identity, such as Concord and Killing Floor 3. Cain notes that contemporary games often suffer from confusion about their purpose, resulting from a design process aimed at satisfying publishers and broad demographics. In contrast, 1980s developers faced hardware limitations that necessitated focus and efficiency, leading to clearer game concepts. Upcoming nominees for the 2025 Game of the Year, including Expedition 33, Hades 2, Silksong, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, exemplify the benefits of tight design and unique identities. Cain compares this principle to fine dining, where fewer ingredients can lead to a more enjoyable experience, suggesting that clarity and focus in game design can enhance player experiences.

BetaBeacon

November 18, 2025

Here are 2025’s official Game of the Year nominees

The nominees for the 2025 Game of the Year at The Game Awards have been revealed, including titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Hades II, Kingdom Come Deliverance II, Death Stranding 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. The event also announced nominees for other categories such as Best Community Support, Best Ongoing Game, and Best RPG. Voting for the awards will be coming up soon.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

The Game Awards 2025 nominees are here, and—surprise—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was nominated for every qualifying category

The Game Awards has announced its 2025 nominees, highlighting a strong presence of French influence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive leads with ten nominations, including Game of the Year, followed by Death Stranding 2. Fans can vote on the TGA website. Nominees: Game of the Year: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Donkey Kong Bananza - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Best Game Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Split Fiction Innovation in Accessibility: - Assassin's Creed Shadows - Atomfall - Doom: The Dark Ages - EA Sports FC 26 - South of Midnight Best Independent Game: - Absolum - Ball x Pit - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Performance: - Ben Starr - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Charlie Cox - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Erika Ishii - Ghost of Yōtei - Jennifer English - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Konatsu Kato - Silent Hill F - Troy Baker - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Best Debut Indie Game: - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Despelote - Dispatch - Megabonk Best Action Game: - Battlefield 6 - Doom: The Dark Ages - Hades 2 - Ninja Gaiden 4 - Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Best Action/Adventure Game: - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Split Fiction Best Role Playing Game: - Avowed - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - The Outer Worlds 2 - Monster Hunter Wilds Best Sim/Strategy Game: - The Alters - Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles - Jurassic World Evolution 3 - Sid Meier's Civilization 7 - Tempest Rising - Two Point Museum Best Fighting Game: - 2XKO - Capcom Fighting Collection 2 - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves - Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection - Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Best Family Game: - Donkey Kong Bananza - LEGO Party! - Lego Voyagers - Mario Kart World - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Split Fiction Best Sports/Racing Game: - EA Sports FC 26 - F1 25 - Mario Kart World - Rematch - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Best Multiplayer: - Arc Raiders - Battlefield 6 - Elden Ring Nightreign - Peak - Split Fiction Best Narrative: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Silent Hill F Best Audio Design: - Battlefield 6 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Silent Hill F Best Score & Music: - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Hades 2 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Ghost of Yōtei - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Best Art Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Adaptation: - A Minecraft Movie - Devil May Cry - The Last of Us: Season 2 - Splinter Cell: Deathwatch - Until Dawn Best Mobile Game: - Destiny: Rising - Persona 5: The Phantom X - Sonic Rumble - Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Wuthering Waves Best Ongoing Game: - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - Marvel Rivals - No Man's Sky Content Creator of the Year: - Caedrel - Kai Cenat - MoistCr1TiKal - Sakura Miko - The Burnt Peanut Best Esports Game: - Counter-Strike 2 - DOTA 2 - League of Legends - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Valorant Best Esports Athlete: - brawk - Chovy - f0rsakeN - Kakeru - MenaRD - Zyw0o Best Esports Team: - Gen.G - League of Legends - NRG - Valorant - Team Falcons - DOTA 2 - Team Liquid PH - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Team Vitality - Counter-Strike 2 Best Community Support: - Baldur's Gate 3 - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - No Man's Sky Most Anticipated Game: - 007 First Light - Grand Theft Auto 6 - Marvel's Wolverine - Resident Evil Requiem - The Witcher 4

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

The Game of the Year nominees have arrived, with 12 nominations for the RPG you’re all rooting for

The nominees for this year's Game of the Year include Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Donkey Kong Bananza. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has received 12 nominations across all categories, including three for voice performances. Notable omissions from the nominations are Ghost of Yotei, Battlefield 6, Arc Raiders, and Split Fiction. Battlefield 6 has received nominations in best audio design, best action game, and best multiplayer categories, while Arc Raiders is recognized in the multiplayer category. In the Games for Impact category, indie titles Despelote and Consume Me have been acknowledged. The Game of the Year website is now live for voting.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

Jack Black riles up fanbase at Kids’ Choice Awards after viral Minecraft moment

Jack Black was honored with the King of Comedy award at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards for his contributions to comedy, including roles in Nacho Libre, Kung Fu Panda, and A Minecraft Movie. He also won the title of Favorite Movie Actor for his role in A Minecraft Movie. During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his fans and referenced his character Dewey Finn from School of Rock and his portrayal of Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. A notable moment of the evening included Black referencing a viral scene from A Minecraft Movie involving the phrase "chicken jockey." The Kids' Choice Awards featured nominees like Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar, with Jack Black, Dwayne Johnson, and Jelly Roll receiving three nominations each. Winners received Nickelodeon’s orange Blimp trophy and many attendees were covered in green slime.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

‘Murderbot,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ ‘Duster,’ and the best to stream this weekend

Apple TV+ has released a new sci-fi series titled "Murderbot," adapted from Martha Wells’ "Murderbot Diaries." The show features Alexander Skarsgård as a self-aware cyborg tasked with protecting scientists on an uninhabited planet while secretly binge-watching a space opera. The first two episodes are now available for streaming. FX's "Welcome to Wrexham," a docuseries about a Welsh football club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, returns for its fourth season on Hulu. " Duster," an action drama set in the 1970s, stars Josh Holloway and is now streaming on Max. Amazon's "Overcompensating," a college comedy created by and starring Benito Skinner, follows a closeted freshman and his outsider friend on a journey of self-discovery, with all eight episodes available on Prime Video. "The Brutalist," a historical drama starring Adrien Brody, is now streaming on Max after winning three Academy Awards. The Apple TV+ documentary "Deaf President Now!" recounts a 1988 protest at Gallaudet University for a Deaf president, directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. "The Quilters," a documentary short about incarcerated men making quilts for foster children, is available on Netflix. The "Minecraft Movie," featuring Jack Black, is now available for purchase on Amazon. Disney's live-action "Snow White" can now be watched on VOD platforms despite previous controversies surrounding its production.