The 2025 Indie Game Awards nominees list has been officially revealed, showcasing an impressive range of indie titles that have made significant impacts throughout the year. Leading the nominations are heavy hitters like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, all of which have captured the attention of critics and players alike.
Standout Titles and Categories
Hollow Knight: Silksong, the much-anticipated follow-up in the iconic Metroidvania series, finally arrived in 2025 to critical acclaim. Its intricate level design, challenging boss fights, and atmospheric world-building earned it multiple nominations, including Achievement in Gameplay Design.
Hades 2, the sequel to Supergiant Games’ smash hit rogue-like, exited Early Access during the year, further solidifying its place with nominations in categories such as Gameplay Design and Game of the Year.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a narrative-driven RPG, emerged as a frontrunner with multiple category nods including Game of the Year, Narrative, and Art Direction, signaling its broad acclaim within the indie community.
Other Notable Indie Contenders
The list of nominees also includes games like Blue Prince, Abiotic Factor, Wanderstop, and Absolum, demonstrating the vibrant diversity of indie game development in 2025. Special recognitions like the Indie Vanguard Award and the Mohammad Fahmi Storyteller Award will be announced during the ceremony.
The Awards Ceremony
The Indie Game Awards 2025 ceremony is scheduled for December 18, 2025. Fans have the opportunity to participate in the Community Picks voting through November 24, helping highlight community favorites alongside jury-selected winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Indie Game Awards 2025?
The ceremony is set to take place on December 18, 2025, with community voting open through November 24.
Which games have the most nominations?
Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are among the most nominated titles across various categories.
What categories are included?
Categories range from Gameplay Design, Narrative, Music, Innovation, and several regional and special awards like the Indie Vanguard Award.
Can fans vote in the Indie Game Awards?
Yes, Community Picks voting is open and contributes to some award outcomes.
Where can I watch the awards ceremony?
The awards will be streamed live, with details typically available on the official Indie Game Awards website and social media channels.
Conclusion
The 2025 Indie Game Awards highlight an outstanding year for indie developers, with many breakout hits and innovative titles pushing the boundaries of game design and storytelling. With heavy competition from revered games like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur, the indie scene continues to thrive, offering players fresh, compelling experiences outside of the mainstream.