Golden Joystick Awards Reveals Ultimate Game of the Year Shortlist
The 43rd Golden Joystick Awards has shared the final list for its top prize. Voting is now open on the official page, powered by MSI. The window runs until Friday, November 7, 2025, at 4 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Eastern, or midnight in GMT. Fans can cast their picks across the globe during that period.
Meet the Host and Surprising Guests
Maggie Robertson, known for her roles in Resident Evil Village and Baldur’s Gate 3, will host the ceremony. She will be joined by a line of guest presenters from the world of games. Expect appearances from Alix Wilton Regan (Cyberpunk 2077) and Doug Cockle (The Witcher series), plus Ciara Berkeley (The Witcher 4). The roster also includes Ben Starr, Shai Matheson, and more names to be announced as the event nears.
Who Can Rise to Ultimate Game of the Year
The nominations for Ultimate Game of the Year are listed below:
- Blue Prince
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- PEAK
- SILENT HILL f
- Split Fiction
What the Hosts Have to Say
Robertson shares her excitement about guiding the show. She notes the awards celebrate the effort and art from players, devs, and fans alike. The host adds that the ceremony will be a bright night to honor a year of work in games.
Daniel Dawkins, the Content Director for Games and Digital Events, comments on the voting feat. He points to a record 21 million votes counted in the early rounds. He says this mix of big AAA titles and bold indie games shows how varied the field has become. He adds that fans worldwide hold the final say, and Robertson will lead them through a memorable night. Dawkins invites everyone to tune in on November 20 to see who takes home the prize.
The Night of the Show and How to Watch
The awards will be hosted in London and streamed to viewers around the world on November 20, 2025. People can watch live on YouTube, Twitch, Steam, Facebook, and X. The event will also be carried by Future Games Show, GamesRadar, and PC Gamer. This year’s ceremony promises a lively blend of big wins and bold moments from recent releases.
Join the Conversation and Follow Along
Fans can stay in the loop by following the Golden Joystick Awards on Instagram, X, and Facebook. The official hashtag for the night is #GoldenJoystickAwards. Fans are urged to vote and join the chat as the stage lights up with stars from the year in games.
Where to Learn More
For more details, fans can search for Golden Joystick Awards 2025 or visit the event’s pages on social media. The show aims to blend big spectacle with a clear nod to the work of everyone in the gaming scene. It’s a night to highlight the long, shared road games take with players and makers.
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