The 2025 Game of the Year (GOTY) race is one of the most exciting in recent memory. Two standout titles—Hollow Knight: Silksong and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—are leading the charge, but they couldn’t be more different.
Both games have captivated critics and players, yet their design philosophies, storytelling styles, and audience appeal diverge in fascinating ways.
As we count down to The Game Awards in December, here’s a breakdown of their strengths, weaknesses, and the wild cards that could shape the final vote.
⚔️ 1. The Titans: Silksong vs. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A. Critical Reception & Metacritic Scores
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Hollow Knight: Silksong – Metacritic 93 (PS5) / OpenCritic 92
Expansive world, razor-sharp combat, and stunning art. Critics adore it, though some note punishing difficulty and long boss runbacks. -
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Metacritic 93
Celebrated for innovative turn-based combat, an emotional narrative, and striking visuals. With 83 critic reviews, its score may prove more stable.
B. Key Differentiators
| Aspect | Silksong | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Metroidvania | Turn-based RPG |
| Difficulty | High – 2-damage hits, complex bosses | Moderate – accessible yet strategic |
| Narrative Style | Environmental storytelling, minimal dialogue | Character-driven, emotional plot |
| Development | Indie (Team Cherry) | Indie (Sandfall Interactive) |
| Cultural Impact | Record-breaking launch, massive community hype | Critical darling with fresh original IP |
🎯 2. Other Heavy Hitters in the 2025 GOTY Race
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Blue Prince – Indie sensation with Metacritic scores rivaling the frontrunners.
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Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Kojima’s cinematic sequel packs AAA spectacle, though its divisive gameplay may hold it back.
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Split Fiction & Citizen Sleeper 2 – Beloved in niche circles but long-shots for GOTY.
Dark Horses
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DK Bananza – Family-friendly fun, but Nintendo’s pricing strategy may limit its reach.
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Borderlands 4 – AAA pedigree, yet some critics call it “just another FPS” lacking fresh ideas.
⚖️ 3. Key Factors Shaping the Race
Difficulty & Accessibility
Silksong’s brutal early bosses thrill veterans but intimidate casual players, prompting Team Cherry to tweak balance patches. Clair Obscur offers strategic depth without the steep curve—potentially appealing to a broader voting base.
Indie Status & Awards History
No indie title has ever won overall Game of the Year at The Game Awards. Both games face this hurdle, but Clair Obscur’s slick production and original IP may give it an edge.
Cultural Impact & Hype
Silksong’s launch was a phenomenon: 5 million players in three days and record-breaking Steam traffic. Clair Obscur, meanwhile, has earned steady goodwill as a passion project from an ambitious new studio.
Critical vs. Public Reception
Silksong’s difficulty has split its audience, and Steam reviews in some regions (notably China) cite localization issues. Clair Obscur maintains more consistent global praise.
📊 4. Betting Markets & Expert Predictions
As of September 2025, betting markets like Kalshi call it a photo finish:
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Favorite: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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Close Second: Hollow Knight: Silksong
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Wild Cards: Blue Prince or Death Stranding 2 could surge if voters tire of the frontrunners.
“Silksong’s willingness to challenge players hard from its earliest stages may well count against it in a jury-based system.” — Polygon
🏅 5. Likely Category Wins
Even without the top prize, both titles are poised for multiple awards:
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Silksong: Best Indie Game, Best Action/Adventure, plus strong shots at Best Art Direction and Best Soundtrack.
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Clair Obscur: Best RPG, Best Score/Music, and potentially Best Narrative.
💎 Conclusion: A Race Too Close to Call
The 2025 GOTY battle showcases the diversity of modern game development.
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Innovation & Artistry: Clair Obscur’s original IP and emotional depth.
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Mastery & Legacy: Silksong’s genre-defining Metroidvania brilliance.
Whatever wins in December, both games have already cemented their place in gaming history.
Join the Conversation:
Which game gets your vote? Drop a comment below or join our community poll to make your voice heard!
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