The Steam Game Awards have officially dropped, revealing the winners for Game of the Year, Best Soundtrack, and so much more.
New year, new awards. The end of a year always marks a slew of trophies and talent recognition for the gaming industry, from The Game Awards to the BAFTA Game Awards, and a few months later, the Steam Game Awards.
The Steam Game Awards work a little differently from the traditional events, instead offering players the chance to nominate their favorite games for each category, so they’re entirely voted on by fans. Well, the results are in, and no, Clair Obscur hasn’t swept the floor with this one.
All Steam Game Awards 2025 categories and winners
Below are all categories, how they’re measured according to Steam, and the respective winners for the Game Awards 2025.
Game of the Year
Maybe it was its immersive gameplay, or its gripping story… its well-crafted characters, immaculate design, or addictive multiplayer. Whatever the reason, the winner of this year’s Game of the Year Award is an instant classic.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – Winner
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- ARC Raiders
- Dispatch
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
VR Game of the Year Award
The VR Game of the Year isn’t merely masquerading as regular reality. This game improves on reality, taking advantage of the medium of VR and pushing the boundaries of the virtual realm.
- The Midnight Walk – Winner
- Emissary Zero
- Le Mans Ultimate
- Pavlov
- F1 25
Labor of Love Award
This game has been out for a while. The team is well past the debut of their creative baby, but being the good parents they are, these devs continue to nurture and support their creation. This game, to this day, is still getting new content after all these years.
Best Game of Steam Deck Award
This game was so good, you wanted to take it everywhere. So you grabbed your Steam Deck and did! Luckily, everything that made it endlessly playable at your desk got even better on the go.
- Hades 2 – Winner
- Deep Rock Galactic Survivor
- Clover Pit
- Digimon Story: Time Stranger
- Ball x Pit
Better With Friends Award
There are some games out there that just aren’t the same when you play by yourself. Maybe you need to have a friend to watch your back. Maybe you need to have a friend that you can stab in the back. Either way, fun awaits those who gather friends together to play this game.
Outstanding Visual Style Award
Visual style doesn’t aspire to real-world graphical fidelity (though a noble goal in itself)… it describes a distinctive look and feel that suffuses an entire game.
- Silent Hill f – Winner
- Dream BBQ
- My Little Puppy
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Doom: The Dark Ages
Most Innovative Gameplay Award
The designers of this game are at the front lines of creative experimentation, bringing a fresh perspective and brain-breaking surprises. This game delighted, inspired, and entertained with newness never played before.
Best Game You Suck At Award
This is the game that rewards persistence and is not for the faint of heart. It’s the toughest game we’ve ever loved.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – Winner
- Elden Ring: Nightreign
- Path of Exile
- Where Winds Meet
- Marvel Rivals
Best Soundtrack Award
This unsung hero deserves to be recognized for its outstanding musical score. It’s the OST with the MOST!
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Winner
- Rift of the Necrodancer
- Deltarune
- Tokyo Xtreme Racer
- Spider-Man 2
Outstanding Story-Rich Game Award
Some days, only a narrative-heavy game will hit the spot, and this one packs a wallop. It’s as gripping as any soap opera, and as well-tuned as a prestige-TV screenplay. Bravissimo — for making us feel things!
- Dispatch – Winner
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Dying Light: The Beast
- No, I’m Not A Human
Sit Back and Relax Award
This game is the antidote to a busy day. It’s smooth, it’s relaxing, it lets your worries melt away. This game is your moment of zen.
Ukraine war latest live: Russian troops attempting to expand combat zone in Sumy, Kharkiv oblasts, Border Guard Service says