The Game Awards return in 2025 for the 11th installment of the largest annual ceremony recognizing the best video games of the year.

This year has been the year of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” as the debut indie title is nominated in 12 categories, making it the most nominated game in the award show’s history. The Daily Trojan’s games reporters have taken their personal picks for the year’s biggest honors.

Game of the Year: ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’

In a year that marks not only the halfway point through the 2020s but also a stark shift in the games industry away from AAA dominance to indie renaissance, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is precisely the release that both gamers and developers needed to see. Developed by III studio, Sandfall Interactive, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” shows gamers exactly the level of excellence they should be demanding from their favorite legacy AAA behemoths.

Excellence and passion spill from every pore of “Clair Obscur,” each aspect properly steeped in thoughtful and masterful game design craftsmanship. While the JRPG-inspired combat employs brilliant twists to keep tense moments in perpetual motion, the narrative knows exactly when to bring the player to an abrupt halt, affording them potent moments of catharsis and emotion.

“Clair Obscur” wasn’t afraid of forging its own path — and developers and consumers have rewarded its developers for it with endless praise and sales. A much-deserved “Clair Obscur” GOTY win will account for far more than simply lauding Sandfall with its flowers; it will cut the red ribbon, ushering in a new golden era of indie gaming.

– Aubrie Cole, Managing Editor

Best Game Direction: ‘Split Fiction’

“Split Fiction” presents a co-op adventure with each level set in either a sci-fi or fantasy setting. Critics have noted each level as being distinct, with highlights including a level where you play as pigs that get turned into sausages and a motorcycle level where one of the players has to fill out a captcha to avoid exploding. The co-op gameplay is also noted for being great for all players, regardless of age or experience.

“Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” “Hades II” and “Ghost of Yōtei,” while being fantastic games, fall short of their predecessors and are unable to provide the innovation necessary for this award. While “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is regarded as novel within the RPG genre, “Split Fiction,” with its unique level design and incredible yet accessible co-op gameplay, more than deserves Best Game Direction.

– Pablo Rodriguez, Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer

Best Narrative: ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’

“Claire Obscur” stands out in this year’s Best Narrative category, lifted by strong critical acclaim for the ambition and emotional clarity of its story.

Critics note that the game is more than just eye candy with an innovative plot and top-notch acting, reflecting how deeply the game commits to its surreal fantasy world and the intimate relationships within it; that balance has resonated across players and critics alike.

“Death Stranding 2” builds on familiar themes of connection and loss. “Silent Hill f” offers a psychological approach that has drawn significant positive attention. “Kingdom Come: Deliverance II” and “Ghost of Yōtei” bring their own strengths in narrative, but the consistent critical enthusiasm surrounding “Clair Obscur” positions it at the top of this category.

– Kody Christiansen, Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer

Best Score and Music: ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’

It’s still a mystery how “Mario Kart World,” with its collection of over 200 unique songs from the Mario franchise and new compositions for the title, didn’t make the nominee cut. But even then, it’s hard to see a world where any score other than Lorien Testard’s soundtrack for “Clair Obscur” doesn’t win gold this year.

“Hollow Knight: Silk Song” had the potential to usurp this year’s biggest indie surprise; however, its score left many fans of the franchise underwhelmed, as they feel it failed to grasp the iconicity of its 2017 predecessor.

“Hades II,” “Tomo Otowa” and “Death Stranding 2” are all respectable candidates, but none hold the same spark as Testard’s masterpiece, whose orchestral wonder helped enable an indie turn-based RPG triumph as one of this decade’s most memorable gaming experiences.

– Kailen Hicks, Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer

Best Debut Indie Game: ‘Dispatch’

While “Clair Obscur” is a shoo-in to win several awards this year, AdHoc Studio’s “Dispatch” should take home Best Debut Indie Game. For any gamer yearning for the glory days of Telltale Games, “Dispatch” feels like a breath of fresh air with witty dialogue, lovable characters and phenomenal voice acting performances.

Actors like Aaron Paul playing Mecha Man, aka Robert Robertson, deliver powerful and memorable performances alongside new faces to the games industry like musical artists Thot Squad and Yung Gravy.

With a meaningful narrative, the episodic adventure game offers players an entertaining and emotionally nuanced experience, creating plenty of viral moments for a broader audience.

While games like “Despelote” and “Blue Prince” also create unique experiences with intentional narratives, “Dispatch” stands out as a cut above the rest.

– Aden Max Juarez, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Best Adaptation: ‘A Minecraft Movie’

“A Minecraft Movie” dominated the box office and caused theatrical mayhem when it was released back in April. Adapting the best-selling game of all time definitely helped, but Jack Black’s ludicrous performance as Steve carried this film, even for those who hated it.

However, one must consider the Enderman in the room: HBO’s “The Last of Us.” The first season of the show was beloved by critics, and it handily snapped up this award in 2023. That said, the second season adapts the controversial — yet generally acclaimed — sequel.

Count on the game’s vocal minority of detractors making the difference here, as 10% of the votes come from fans. Those same fans will push hard to ensure this adaptation goes unawarded, and some of the people who pushed “Minecraft” to gross over $950 million in theaters will certainly help with that.

– Sammy Bovitz, Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer

The Game Awards will take place Dec. 11 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m.