Resolution criteria

The Golden Joystick Awards' Ultimate Game of the Year winner will be determined by public voting closing November 7, 2025, with results announced November 20, 2025. Winners will be announced live via YouTube, Twitch, Steam, Facebook, X, Games Show, GamesRadar and PC Gamer. The market resolves to whichever game wins the Golden Joystick Awards' Ultimate Game of the Year award. Note: The Game Awards (a separate ceremony held December 11) uses a different voting system with 90% media ballots and 10% fan voting, so this market specifically tracks the Golden Joystick Awards winner.

Background

The Golden Joystick Awards are held in special regard because they are voted for by those who buy and play games, with millions of fans supporting their favorite games each year. The 43rd Golden Joystick Awards ceremony will be held in-person in London on November 20, 2025. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the Golden Joystick Award 2025 charge for most nominations overall.

Considerations

Despite 2025 having numerous major triple-A releases, the games with the most impact came from independent studios, with five of the seven indie nominees made by smaller teams without major publisher support.