GTA 6’s delay just blew wide open the race for Game of the Year

by

The long-awaited game, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), originally slated for release in 2025, has been pushed back to May 26, 2026. With Rockstar Games’ track record, this action-packed title had been highly anticipated and was expected to sweep the Game of the Year awards in 2025. However, with its predecessor falling short of that honor in 2013 (losing to The Last of Us), it seemed that 2025 would be no different.

Now, with GTA 6’s delay, other games have a chance to shine and vie for the prestigious Game of the Year award. Some of our favorite titles now stand a real chance at claiming this top honor.

The announcement that GTA 6 might release in 2026 certainly adds an exciting twist to the Game of the Year awards, as now there’s a strong contender in the race. Out of these top picks, which game do you think will take home the prize? Let me know your thoughts! (Here are my personal predictions for the frontrunners 😊May 2, 2025)

Could one of these Xbox Game Pass games win Game of the Year?

At least two of this year’s most prominent games – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince – have already been released on Xbox Game Pass. These games have been the talk of the gaming community in April, and notably, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 holds the highest rating among all games this year on Metacritic, with Blue Prince following closely behind.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may be in with a chance now

The debut game from the French studio Sandfall Interactive, titled Expedition 33, has been making waves in the gaming community with its captivating visuals, moving narrative, and enchanting soundtrack. Some even argue that it single-handedly revitalized the turn-based genre, despite the existence of games like Baldur’s Gate 3.

The unique blend of real-time parrying and dodging mechanics in Expedition 33 has challenged Square Enix’s assumption that realistic-looking turn-based games lack appeal.

Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the team on Instagram, stating, “A million copies sold and one of the highest-rated games ever: yes, it’s French! Congratulations to Sandfall Interactive and all creators of Expedition 33. You are a shining example of French boldness and creativity.”

With critical accolades piling up and sales exceeding 1 million (excluding Xbox Game Pass), the game is currently leading the race for Game of the Year and is undoubtedly one of the strongest contenders in recent discussions.

Blue Prince will surely be nominated, but could an Indie title win?

Prior to Clair Obscur, Blue Prince was a highly acclaimed game in the industry that continues to be admired by many. A captivating puzzle-solving rogue-lite game, it has been labeled as the most innovative game of the year thus far, receiving a 92 Metacritic score.

The game has been likened to Outer Wilds, Myst, and Return of the Obra Dinn, and its addictive nature is so strong that I had to stop playing it before I became overwhelmed. However, before April, I was completely unaware of this game’s existence.

This under-the-radar contender has sneaked up on us, and I suspect that it will leave a lasting impression when the Game of the Year awards are announced. While many, including myself, declared it as this year’s Balatro, I believe it may not achieve the same enduring popularity or widespread appeal. Balatro didn’t win Game of the Year, but Blue Prince could potentially defy expectations.

Split Fiction

The game that dominated conversations last March, Split Fiction, is still a strong contender for Game of the Year. It currently boasts a 91 on Metacritic, and the team behind it, Hazelight Studios, have already won the Game of the Year with It Takes Two. Split Fiction builds upon that success by offering unique gameplay mechanics and an original story. Essentially, it’s like It Takes Two but with a larger budget and one of the most imaginative multiplayer experiences of the year. And

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Title Sequence: A New Appreciation for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is an outstanding achievement, though I haven’t had the chance to play it myself, my partner has invested over 100 hours into the game before reaching its conclusion, and it’s a remarkable demonstration of world development, storytelling, and character growth.

Even if you haven’t played the initial Kingdom Come Deliverance, the developers have included an informative introduction to bring everyone up-to-speed on the events of the first game. This medieval RPG is as immersive as they come, and its world seems to respond to every player decision. It’s a top contender for those who appreciate realistic role-playing games and open-world exploration, and the main character Henry has garnered such affection that he’s making appearances in player-created mods for Baldur’s Gate 3.

In any other year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 would likely take home Game of the Year. However, competition is fierce this year, and its learning curve can be challenging at first, so it remains to be seen whether it will claim the most prestigious award.

It’s only May, there’s more to come…

Looking ahead, Death Stranding 2 is undeniably looming, with a planned release date of June 26, 2025 (assuming no delays). The Game Awards have historically embraced PlayStation exclusives, and based on the jaw-dropping 10-minute trailer, this sequel promises to be as spectacular as its predecessor.

Is it possible that Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece could win Game of the Year? That’s a question worth pondering. Similarly, DOOM: The Dark Ages has also caught my attention. However, let’s not forget about Nintendo’s impressive lineup. I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Do you think Death Stranding 2 will be among the frontrunners for Game of the Year, or have I overlooked a potential heavyweight contender?

Read More

2025-05-02 17:09