Building on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Game of the Year sweep at The Game Awards 2025—as covered in prior reporting—the ceremony drew backlash for commercial excess and snubs while unveiling major 2026 reveals.
Hosted by Geoff Keighley in Los Angeles on December 12, The Game Awards 2025 saw Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 secure nine awards total, reinforcing indie momentum previously highlighted. Nominations for Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong underscored the shift from AAA dominance.
However, the event faced sharp criticism for prioritizing ads over merit. Presenters hyped tie-ins like a Street Fighter movie linked to No Man's Sky, alongside trailers for Resident Evil Requiem (Leon Kennedy returns), the first James Bond game since 2012, Larian Studios' Divinity, and a Star Wars: Old Republic sequel. Absences of Kingdom Hearts 4 and Half-Life 3 updates fueled frustration, as did zero nominations for The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy—praised for its 100 endings rivaling Baldur's Gate 3.
Quirky moments included musical numbers by Disney's Miss Piggy and Rolf the Dog, contrasted by a standout orchestra medley of nominees' tracks. Outlets like The AV Club decried it as a 'total fraud,' yet the night affirmed indies' promise for 2026.
