The 2025 Steam Game Awards have unveiled the winners and nominees, celebrating the best in the gaming industry. Here's a breakdown of the categories and the winners, with a focus on the unique and diverse titles that made the cut.
Game of the Year
The ultimate prize, this category recognizes the game that stands out for its immersive gameplay, gripping story, well-crafted characters, immaculate design, and addictive multiplayer. This year's winner is an instant classic, leaving a lasting impression on players.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong - Winner
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A storytelling masterpiece
- ARC Raiders - Immersive and innovative
- Dispatch - A narrative-rich adventure
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - A historical RPG
VR Game of the Year Award
This category celebrates games that push the boundaries of virtual reality, offering an experience that improves on reality itself.
- The Midnight Walk - Winner
- Emissary Zero - Immersive VR experience
- Le Mans Ultimate - Racing simulation
- Pavlov - Fast-paced action
- F1 25 - Racing simulation
Labor of Love Award
Given to games that have received ongoing support and new content years after their initial release, this award recognizes the dedication of developers to their craft.
- Baldur's Gate 3 - Winner
- Dota 2 - A long-standing community favorite
- No Man's Sky - Ever-evolving universe
- Rust - A survival game with a dedicated fan base
- Helldivers 2 - Continuous updates and new content
Best Game of Steam Deck Award
This category celebrates games that are highly portable and perfect for playing on the Steam Deck.
- Hades 2 - Winner
- Deep Rock Galactic Survivor - Cooperative gameplay
- Clover Pit - Fast-paced action
- Digimon Story: Time Stranger - RPG adventure
- Ball x Pit - A unique and engaging experience
Better With Friends Award
Games that excel when played with friends, offering cooperative or competitive multiplayer experiences.
- Peak - Winner
- R.E.P.O. - Team-based action
- Battlefield 6 - Large-scale battles
- Split Fiction - Cooperative storytelling
- Schedule 1 - Strategic team-based gameplay
Outstanding Visual Style Award
Recognizing games with distinctive visual aesthetics that go beyond realistic graphics.
- Silent Hill f - Winner
- Dream BBQ - Whimsical art style
- My Little Puppy - Adorable and charming
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Stunning visuals
- Doom: The Dark Ages - Dark and gritty
Most Innovative Gameplay Award
Games that introduce fresh and surprising gameplay mechanics, delighting and inspiring players.
- ARC Raiders - Winner
- Escape From Duckov - Indie shooter with a twist
- Europa Universalis V - Strategic exploration
- Mage Arena - Unique battle system
- Blue Prince - Creative puzzle-solving
Best Game You Suck At Award
Games that are incredibly challenging but incredibly rewarding, testing players' skills and persistence.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong - Winner
- Elden Ring: Nightreign - A tough but satisfying RPG
- Path of Exile - A challenging action RPG
- Where Winds Meet - Puzzle-solving adventure
- Marvel Rivals - Competitive multiplayer
Best Soundtrack Award
Recognizing the best musical scores that enhance the gaming experience.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Winner
- Rift of the Necrodancer - Rhythm-based adventure
- Deltarune - A musical journey
- Tokyo Xtreme Racer - Racing soundtrack
- Spider-Man 2 - Epic superhero score
Outstanding Story-Rich Game Award
Narrative-driven games that captivate players with their gripping stories and well-crafted narratives.
- Dispatch - Winner
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered - A post-apocalyptic tale
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Historical RPG
- Dying Light: The Beast - A zombie-infested world
- No, I’m Not A Human - A unique narrative experience
Sit Back and Relax Award
Games that provide a peaceful and relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
- RV There Yet? - Winner
- Slime Rancher 2 - A charming farming simulation
- Megabonk - A quirky and relaxing adventure
- Power Wash Simulator 2 - Stress-free cleaning
- Chill With You LoFi Story - A calming gaming experience
