The annual Steam Awards, determined by public votes, were announced early in the New Year, highlighting the gaming community's favored titles. While some awards might seem an arbitrary way to crown a game of the year, the results offer a snapshot of what resonated most with players.
This year's winners showcased a diverse range of games, with the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong securing the top honor, Game of the Year. The awards also celebrated games for their dedication, innovation, and storytelling, and players can currently enjoy these acclaimed titles at reduced prices during the ongoing Winter Sale.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Dominates Steam Awards
The 2025 Steam Awards have officially revealed their champions, with the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong emerging as the undeniable victor, claiming the prestigious Game of the Year title. This isn't the only accolade for the indie sensation, as it also earned recognition in the "Best Game You Suck At" category, a testament to its challenging yet captivating gameplay. The awards ceremony, held early in the New Year, recognized a variety of titles across different categories, celebrating the depth and breadth of the gaming world. Notably, Hades 2 secured the "Best Game on Steam Deck" award, highlighting its exceptional portability and playability on Valve's handheld device. Meanwhile, "Dispatch" was honored for its compelling narrative, receiving the "Outstanding Story-Rich Game" award, and "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" was lauded for its auditory excellence, winning "Best Soundtrack." Even "Baldur's Gate 3," a game that surprised its developers with a nomination, took home the "Labor of Love" award, underscoring its continued community support and development. These victories, alongside others, are currently being celebrated with discounts during Steam's Winter Sale, allowing more players to experience the year's most celebrated games.
The Steam Awards, a platform for players to honor their favorite games of the past year, saw Hollow Knight: Silksong not only achieving the top prize of Game of the Year but also earning a quirky distinction as the "Best Game You Suck At." This dual recognition underscores the game's significant impact and its reputation for challenging players, yet drawing them in with its intricate design and compelling world. The awards are typically unveiled at the start of the year, providing a comprehensive look at the titles that captured the hearts and minds of the gaming community. Beyond Silksong's triumph, other notable achievements included Hades 2 being crowned the "Best Game on Steam Deck," a nod to its seamless integration and performance on the portable platform. "Dispatch" was celebrated for its immersive narrative, earning the "Outstanding Story-Rich Game" award, while the aesthetically rich "Silent Hill F" received recognition for its "Outstanding Visual Style." The "Labor of Love" award went to "Baldur's Gate 3," a surprising win given its release more than two years prior, showcasing its enduring appeal and continued support from its developer, Larian Studios. Furthermore, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" was recognized for its exceptional audio design, receiving the "Best Soundtrack" award. These winning titles, along with other finalists, are currently featured in Steam's Winter Sale, offering a prime opportunity for gamers to explore the critical and popular successes of the year at reduced prices.
