The Golden Joystick Awards 2025, marking the 43rd edition of the world’s longest-running public-voted video game awards, took place on November 20, 2025, at the luxurious 8 Northumberland Avenue venue in central London, with the ceremony live-streamed globally and hosted by acclaimed voice actress Maggie Robertson, best known for her iconic role as Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village. The event celebrated the best games, creators, and innovations of the year, primarily determined by millions of fan votes across over 20 categories, with a few decided by critics, streamers, and industry experts, and featured a live performance of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters alongside a montage of 2025’s highlights.
Dominating the night was Sandfall Interactive’s turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which swept seven awards—tying the record set by Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023—including the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Soundtrack, Best Lead Performer for Jennifer English as Maelle, Best Supporting Performer for Ben Starr as Verso, and Studio of the Year for its developers, solidifying its status as a masterpiece of narrative depth, artistry, and performance. Other major winners included Hollow Knight: Silksong by Team Cherry, claiming PC Game of the Year and Best Indie Game – Self Published; Ghost of Yōtei from Sucker Punch Productions, taking Console Game of the Year and Best Audio Design; and Peak by Aggro Crab and Landfall Games, winning Best Multiplayer Game and Streamers’ Choice. Additional accolades went to Blue Prince for Best Indie Game, Lies of P: Overture for Best Game Expansion, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered by Virtuos and Bethesda for Best Remake/Remaster, R.E.P.O. by Semiwork for Best Early Access Game, Schedule I (or Schedule 1) by TVGS for Breakthrough Award, AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D for Best Gaming Hardware, Arcane Season 2 for Best Game Adaptation, Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 for Best Game Trailer, Grand Theft Auto VI for Most Wanted Game, Donkey Kong Bananza for Critics’ Choice, Minecraft for Still Playing on PC & Consoles, Pokémon Go for Still Playing on Mobile, and The Sims inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The show also premiered trailers for upcoming titles like Brightfall (2026), Death Howl, Vaultbreakers, Canyons, and a teaser for the racing game DriversMustDie set for reveal at the PC Gaming Show on December 4, building excitement for future releases amid the triumphant close of 2025’s gaming achievements.
Source: Epic Store Games
