The year is drawing to a close, ushering in the highly anticipated awards season in the gaming world. Following the Golden Joysticks and with The Game Awards on the horizon, Valve has launched the nomination phase for the 2025 Steam Awards. This year, the process is uniquely intertwined with Steam's first-ever Black Friday Sale, a strategic move by Valve to accommodate the awards period after adjusting the Autumn Sale schedule.
Details on the 2025 Steam Awards Nomination Process
Gamers can now submit their nominations for the 2025 Steam Awards across various categories. The platform aims to simplify this by highlighting eligible games played throughout the year and suggesting popular titles. However, some users have noted inconsistencies, with certain eligible games not appearing in recommended lists for categories like "Best Game You Suck At" or "Best Soundtrack." Despite these minor snags, players retain the flexibility to write in any game that was released in 2025 or earlier (for the "Labor of Love" category), ensuring that beloved, even unconventional, titles like "Bongo Cat" can contend for awards such as "Outstanding Story-Rich Game." The nomination period concludes on December 1st. Participation earns players the "Steam Awards Nomination Committee" badge, which can be upgraded by completing additional tasks. Subsequently, voting for the five finalists in each category will take place during the Steam Winter Sale, commencing on December 14th, with winners to be revealed on January 3rd.
This year's Steam Awards nomination process, while generally user-friendly, highlights a fascinating tension between algorithmic recommendations and individual player choice. The slight discrepancies in eligibility suggestions, particularly for categories like "Best Game You Suck At," underscore the challenge of capturing the diverse and often personal gaming experiences of millions. Yet, the enduring option for players to manually nominate any game, even quirky, cult favorites like "Bongo Cat," reaffirms the community-driven spirit of these awards. It's a reminder that while data and algorithms streamline processes, the heart of gaming lies in individual passion and the unique connections players forge with their digital worlds. This blend of automated assistance and free expression ensures the Steam Awards remain a vibrant reflection of the gaming landscape, celebrating both mainstream successes and hidden gems.
