Words by: Kate Harrold, Sam Cawley, Richard Lee Breslin, Olly Smith, James Lynch, Angharad Redden and Lewis Parker
Once again, it’s been yet another stellar year for gaming, which doesn’t make crowning a ‘Game of the Year’ any easier. In fact, there’s perhaps a case to be made for why every single game in GAMINGbible’s top 10 could have nabbed the title but alas, there can only be one winner. It’s becoming quite commonplace these days for there to be no clear frontrunner, not for a lack of choice but, in fact, the complete opposite.
We’re increasingly seeing high quality output across the board, from the usual major AAA mainstays to breakout indie releases. Perhaps this year’s biggest development has come in the form of AAs, the industry’s middle man, finally escaping a long-time curse of being overlooked during awards season.
It’s important to remember the devastating lay-offs we’ve seen take place across the gaming industry in recent years, and the issue hasn’t exactly gone away. Every new release this year is a product of perseverance amidst several years of volatility; developers are at the very heart of this industry. As GAMINGbible unveils its top 10, followed by several honourable mentions, we honour not just the games themselves, but those who have poured their heart and soul into bringing them to life.
10. Hollow Knight: Silksong
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By Sam Cawley
After so many years, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived, and I still can’t quite believe it. Building off the unbelievable success of the original Hollow Knight, Team Cherry delivered something truly remarkable with its next metroidvania, and while it infuriated me to no end, like many, I can’t help but love it. It was only natural that Hornet would become the new protagonist, just as it was only right to ramp up the difficulty for those who finished Hollow Knight countless times. It was easily one of the most anticipated games ever in development and I think we can all agree that Hollow Knight: Silksong was well worth the wait and deserving of its 9/10 from us.
9. Blue Prince
By Olly Smith
I don’t think it’s quite that easy for a game to blend puzzle and roguelike elements in a really effective way, but I’d say Blue Prince manages to nail it on the head. It’s the kind of game that has all these seemingly unrelated clues and elements, only for them to seamlessly become connected into a larger whole over the course of your playthrough. It’s a trial-and-error game that requires a lot of patience, and that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, due to the pure novelty in the way it presents itself, I have to call it one of the most innovative puzzle games I’ve ever played, so it was an easy 10/10 from us. When you have to take out a notepad and start scribbling puzzle notes, you know you’re onto a winner.
8. Hades II
By Angharad Redden
As a direct sequel to 2020’s impressive Hades, Supergiant Games’ Hades II had a lot to live up to, but thanks to its inclusion of some incredible women, witches, and a whole lot of magic, Hades II pulled it out of the bag. Developers managed to capture the delight of the first game whilst also adding new and beloved characters, from a cauldron-wielding Medea to Circe surrounded by her pig-shaped male suitors. Even our brand-new protagonist Melinoë shone in the wake of her brother’s absence, using revenge to guide herself forwards whilst relying on women who both encouraged and aided her. Thanks to stunning visuals, a banging soundtrack, and punishing yet rewarding gameplay, it is no wonder we gave Hades II a score of 10/10 this year.
7. Ghost of Yōtei
By Richard Lee Breslin
There was a lot of noise surrounding the pre-release of Ghost of Yōtei, notably due to the absence of Ghost of Tsushima protagonist Jin Sakai. As a big fan of the original game, I understood that sentiment, but it’s not a reason to overlook Ghost of Yōtei. The combat and exploration was refined and improved over its predecessor. The game looks absolutely stunning, whilst its story and side activities kept me hooked from start to finish. The cherry on top? New protagonist Atsu is a complex, wonderfully badass ronin. I scored Ghost of Yōtei a deserving 9/10, and it is without a doubt one of my favourite games of 2025.
6. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
By Kate Harrold
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle perfectly fills in the gap left behind by the now dormant Uncharted, but it’s so much more than a worthy spiritual successor. MachineGames’ action-adventure title wholeheartedly succeeded in adapting one of cinema’s most iconic franchises, creating an immersive experience that is equal parts thrilling and engaging. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best film tie-in releases of all-time; it’s a beautifully crafted journey inside the shoe’s of a legendary character. With riveting puzzles, sprawling exploration, and a top-notch performance from lead star Troy Baker, it’s easy to justify why Indiana Jones and the Great Circle secured a 9/10 from us.
5. Sword of the Sea
By Olly Smith
When your studio has already put out bangers like Abzû and The Pathless, it might seem difficult to follow that up with something equally as compelling, but Sword of the Sea is a visual masterpiece. On paper, Giant Squid’s own take on the skateboarding genre doesn’t necessarily sound like a match made in heaven, but once you start playing and feel the proverbial wind in your hair, you understand that this is the type of experience that only this studio is able to cultivate. Combine that with the beautiful score by Austin Wintory and you’ve got a short but unforgettable odyssey.
4. Dispatch
By Angharad Redden
Created by former Telltale Games developers, it is perhaps no surprise that AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch has excelled, matching and surpassing many of 2025’s other great releases. The episodic adventure game offered a reimagining of the superhero genre by allowing us to throw ourselves into the shoes of former villains. With our choices making a drastic impact on the story, a prevelent sense of pressure was made all the more sweeter by the two romances players could pursue. With hilarious dialogue, incredible voice acting from a stellar cast, and visuals which match those of the very greatest animated television shows, Dispatch managed to bag an easy 10/10 from us throughout its eight-episode run.
3. Split Fiction
By Kate Harrold
Split Fiction could very easily have won GOTY; it’s a very tight race. Hazelight Studios’ co-op spiritual successor to previous GOTY winner It Takes Two is arguably the better of the two titles, and I didn’t think It Takes Two could be improved. It’s more than worthy of its 10/10 from GAMINGbible, offering a tour de force wow factor that’s surprisingly hard to come by. Split Fiction is inventive, joyous, and wonderfully creative. Beyond that though, it dared to push the boundaries of what this gaming generation can be, delivering an original and showstopping finale unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s a love letter to gaming, and a commentary on the state of the creative arts, all wrapped up within one spellbinding package. Bravo.
2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
By James Lynch
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came a little out of left field this year, but when it landed, it quickly became clear that it was going to blow everything else away. The real highlight for many will likely be the narrative, which blends some challenging themes with genuinely meaningful and emotional storytelling. That said, it’s also an enormously impressive game mechanically, making huge strides within the turn-based genre to give combat a feel that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. The voice acting is another highlight, allowing the story to deliver its themes with aplomb, so don’t be surprised if you end up as a bit of a weepy mess by the end of it.
1. Silent Hill f, GAMINGbible's GOTY
By James Lynch
The Silent Hill series has stood alone at the top of the survival horror genre for a while now, and Silent Hill f only tightens its grip on the crown. The game features all of the hallmarks of the series, from a highly atmospheric setting to tightly written plotlines, but it really advances the franchise in a lot of ways as well. It’s certainly one of the most replayable Silent Hill games, and the creature designs remain as horrifying as ever - if not more so given the visual upgrades this time around. It’s an absolute tour de force of a horror game that isn’t afraid to dive into some very heavy topics. An absolute must play for 2025 that we reviewed very highly.
Honourable Mention: Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
By Richard Lee Breslin
The original Death Stranding is one of the most polarising games of all-time, or as us Brits might say, “It’s a Marmite game”. You’ll either love it or hate it, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach following in its footsteps. This is some of Hideo Kojima’s finest work. It’s unapologetically complex, with its story and characters keeping you on your toes. The game’s worlds are a joy to explore, the combat has been ramped up, every cast member delivers a stunning performance, and the entire experience looks absolutely gorgeous. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is more than deserving of its 9/10 from us, and is easily one of 2025’s best single-player offerings.
Honourable Mention: Promise Mascot Agency
By Olly Smith
Promise Mascot Agency is just good old fashioned goofy fun. I mean, any game where you play as a mascot agency manager, recruiting mascots and sending them out various jobs, is a win in my eyes. While perhaps not as strong as Kaizen’s previous title, Paradise Killer, the pure novelty of its premise alone makes it a worthy honourable mention in this year’s Game of the Year conversation. I’ve seen it described as a game “made by freaks for freaks”, and I can’t disagree. It’s that absurdity that makes it such a memorable experience, and I don’t think it really needs any additional thought beyond that. It’s just a really good time, hence GAMINGbible’s 10/10.
Honourable Mention: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
By Richard Lee Breslin
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn't do quite enough to reinvent the established franchise wheel, but Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is aware of why fans love both this series and Goro Majima, delivering an experience that ticks all of the right boxes. The game’s story is as bonkers as it is heartwarming, with combat that’s both silly and surprisingly deep. The charming cast of characters will win your heart and ultimately, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a joy to play. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii secured an 8/10 from us, and isn’t one to be overlooked.
Honourable Mention: Keeper
By Sam Cawley
Keeper is one of the strangest games of the year, possibly the decade, but it deserves a mention on our GOTY list. Keeper may have been largely overlooked thus far this awards season, but the mad lads at Double Fine deserve all the praise for coming up with the idea of a living lighthouse protagonist. Keeper’s bonkers story and varied gameplay kept me eager to see what the game would do next. This “weird but chill” title shows us that creativity is nowhere close to dead, and I’m already looking forward to Double Fine’s next mind-boggling adventure.
Honourable Mention: Atomfall
By Sam Cawley
Out of all of 2025’s various game launches, Atomfall is my personal Game of the Year and came as a pleasant surprise. Unfairly referred to as “Fallout in the UK”, Atomfall is so much more than that. Players are implored to delve into a mystery woven into the very ground they’re standing on. Meeting a varied roster of characters with their own goals and motivations, it’s up to you to assess your investigative findings and control your own destiny. It’s one to play whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a pasty, as you soak up the quintessential British vibes and humour. Atomfall received a 9/10 from GAMINGbible, so do give it a go.
Honourable Mention: Ball x Pit
By Lewis Parker
I love a good roguelike, but the genre has started to feel somewhat oversubscribed as of late. In the same way that soulslikes used to feel fresh and unique until the late 2010s, roguelikes have lost their splendour for me in the past couple of years, because it feels like some developers are more interested in following a trend rather than creating something out of passion. Ball x Pit doesn’t feel like that at all. It feels like Kenny Sun had a bizarre idea that just so happened to be a roguelike, and at no point in the 200 hours I’ve invested in it did I feel like Ball x Pit was merely attempting to ride the coattails of its contemporaries’ success. And yet, my fascination with the game ended up mirroring my same obsession with the likes of Slay the Spire, Balatro and Vampire Survivors anyway, because the feeling of discovering a new, monstrously overpowered build constantly kept me coming back for more. For that reason alone, I’m more excited to see what Kenny Sun cooks up with Ball x Pit’s DLC than I am for 90% of the games coming out in 2026.
Topics: Opinion, Features, PlayStation, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Steam, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Hades, Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch, Silent Hill, Konami, Death Stranding, Kojima Productions, Yakuza