Each June, the gaming industry converges in Los Angeles for a showcase of fresh titles and innovative technology, marking a pivotal moment in the gaming calendar. While the traditional E3 trade show has evolved into a more streamlined format under the umbrella of events like the Summer Game Fest, it remains a crucial platform for developers and publishers to unveil their upcoming projects. This year’s Summer Game Fest brought forth a clearer picture of what to expect as we head into the second half of the year, making it easier to speculate on potential contenders for the Game of the Year (GOTY) awards at The Game Awards in December.
Key Announcements and New Contenders
The announcements showcased at this year’s Summer Game Fest were met with varying degrees of excitement. Despite the anticipation surrounding major titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, which has been delayed until next year, the announcements did not overwhelmingly present obvious GOTY contenders. According to IGN, the standout announcements were somewhat overshadowed by the absence of major heavy hitters.
Microsoft confidently held its ground during the event, revealing concrete release dates for several titles. Among them are Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and the recently announced Keeper from Double Fine. While Ninja Gaiden 4 promises fast-paced action, it often faces challenges in the GOTY category due to its genre. On the other hand, The Outer Worlds 2 could have a better shot, although Obsidian’s games have historically garnered mixed reactions from critics, as seen with their upcoming title Avowed.
Emerging Favorites
Double Fine’s Keeper has caught the eye of many observers as a potential GOTY contender thanks to its captivating art style and emotive storytelling. The game appears to revolve around a lighthouse and its avian companion, and the anticipation surrounding it reflects a community that values unique narratives. As noted on GamesRadar, the strong legacy of Double Fine, particularly following their previous nomination for Psychonauts 2, adds to its credibility.
Another title generating buzz is Hollow Knight: Silksong, now confirmed for a 2025 release. Despite not receiving significant recognition at The Game Awards back in 2017, the original Hollow Knight has since gained a massive following, possibly positioning its sequel as a prime candidate for nomination alongside other indie favorites like Blue Prince and Hades 2, if it leaves early access this year.
Notable Dark Horses and Existing Contenders
Among the notable dark horses is Silent Hill f, which has its release scheduled for September 2025. Given the mixed reception of past entries, the return of the franchise is viewed with cautious optimism. NeoBards, the developer behind this project, is relatively unproven, thus making early reviews indispensable for its success.
This year, many of the strongest contenders had already secured their release dates before the Summer Game Fest, including Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding 2 and Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei. Both games are expected to provide narratively rich experiences that resonate well with GOTY juries, especially considering Sony’s impressive track record, with three GOTY wins in recent years.
A Compelling Frontrunner
Currently leading the pack is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a title that has garnered significant attention. Sandfall Interactive’s RPG is lauded for its emotional storytelling, refined mechanics, and immersive visual artistry. Holding top spots on both Metacritic and OpenCritic, Clair Obscur appears to have struck a chord with players, creating ongoing discussions rooted in a communal appreciation for indie success stories.
The game’s backstory as a passion project from an independent team gives it sentimental value, paralleling the community’s affection for titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, which won GOTY in 2023. Given its narrative depth and robust community support, many believe it would be difficult for major sequels such as Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei to overshadow it, making it a game to watch as we approach the end of the year.
Quick Reference Table
| Game Title | Release Date | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Keeper | October 2025 | Double Fine |
| Ninja Gaiden 4 | October 2025 | Microsoft |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | 2025 | Team Cherry |
| Death Stranding 2 | 2025 | Kojima Productions |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | 2025 | Sandfall Interactive |
| Ghost of Yōtei | 2025 | Sucker Punch |