Steam Awards 2025: Decide the Winners Before Voting Ends Jan 3
The nominations are in, the finalists are set, and now the power is entirely in your hands.
The Steam Winter Sale is always a highlight of the PC gaming calendar, but it brings with it something equally important: The Steam Awards
Unlike other industry ceremonies decided by juries, these winners are chosen 100% by the community. You have until January 3rd to make your voice heard. Whether you want to crown a massive blockbuster or highlight a hidden gem, this is your chance to influence the history books of 2025.
The Steam Awards 2025: Voting Schedule & Eligibility
If you are new to the Steam ecosystem, the process is straightforward, but the timing is tight.
- When to Vote: Voting is currently live. The polls opened on December 18 and will close strictly on January 3rd at 7:00 PM GMT+1.
- Who Can Vote: Any non-limited Steam account is eligible. This generally means you must have spent at least $5 USD on the Steam store in the past to verify your account isn’t a bot.
- The Stakes: The developers of the winning games receive a beautiful physical Steam Awards trophy sent to their offices, plus a permanent accolade on their store page. Your vote translates into real recognition for the teams behind your favorite games.
Steam Awards Categories: From GOTY to ‘Best Game You Suck At’
Steam has curated 11 unique categories this year, ranging from the prestigious to the oddly specific. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate your ballot:
Game of the Year 2025
The “second chance” for many of the nominated games at the TGA 2025 to win another recognition (or for Sandfall Games to sweep another win) Featuring:
- ARC Raiders
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Dispatch
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
VR Game of the Year
Dedicated to the VR scene with some of the best and most interesting experiences of 2025. Whether it’s a shooting, adventure or racing experience these are the finalists:
- The Midnight Walk
- Pavlov
- Emissary Zero
- F1 2025
- Le Mans Ultimate
Labor of Love
A true award for those games released a few years ago. With development teams still passionate about their projects, bringing plenty of new content for fans even in 2025, namely:
- Helldivers 2
- No Man’s Sky
- Rust
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Dota 2
Best Game on Steam Deck
The exclusive award for Valve’s “little” handheld that has conquered the hearts of so many players. Delivering some of this year’s most entertaining experiences to play on the Deck’s 7-inch screen:
- Digimon Story Time Stranger
- Ball X Pit
- Clover Pit
- Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
- Hades II
Better With Friends
Certainly one of the most competitive awards this year, where Indie games, AAA titles, and renowned studios face off, offering some of the best experiences ever shared with your friends, featuring:
- Split Fiction
- R.E.P.O.
- Schedule I
- PEAK
- Battlefield 6
Outstanding Visual Style
Where visual style reigns supreme, delivering some of the most immersive and fascinating (and sometimes terrifying) experiences of 2025, regardless of graphical fidelity:
- Silent Hill f
- My Little Puppy
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
- ENA: Dream BBQ
- DOOM: The Dark Ages
Most Innovative Gameplay Award
Rewarding the innovative edge in gameplay that development teams brought to the table in 2025. From those who further refined a classic formula to those who went wild with something entirely new, featuring:
- ARC Raiders
- Europa Universalis V
- Mage Arena
- Escape from Duckov
- Blue Prince
Best Game You Suck At Award
Celebrating those games that made you sweat this year. Offering some of the toughest experiences ever, but ones that are equally rewarding once overcome:
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Where Winds Meet
- Path of Exile 2
- Elden Ring: Nightreign
- Marvel Rivals
Best Soundtrack
Celebrating the soundtracks that got you excited and singing along during your gaming sessions. Where music is an essential part of the experience:
- DELTARUNE
- Rift of the NecroDancer
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Tokyo Xtreme Racer
Outstanding Story-Rich
Where we celebrate those gripping stories that moved us, made us laugh, and sometimes even made us cry:
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered
- Dying Light: The Beast
- Dispatch
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- No, I’m not a Human
Sit Back and Relax
Featuring the best titles of the year to enjoy for some well-deserved relaxation after an exhausting day. Offering experiences where you can clear your mind, whether alone or with company:
- Megabonk
- Chill with You: Lo-Fi Story
- Slime Rancher 2
- PowerWash Simulator 2
- RV There Yet?
Pro-Tip: indecisive? You can change your vote as many times as you like before the deadline. So if you play a new contender during the Winter Sale, you can update your ballot instantly.
In Conclusion: Why Your Vote Matters
The Steam Awards are a celebration of the games that kept us company throughout the year. It’s not just about picking a winner; it’s about acknowledging the art, the music, and the “innovative gameplay” that surprised us in 2025.
Don’t let the deadline slip by. Head over to the Steam Store page, browse the finalists, and cast your votes before January 3rd. The winners will be announced immediately after voting ends!
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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