Forecasting the Winner of the Most Anticipated Game

While 2024 didn’t quite match last year’s impressive lineup, it still delivered plenty of standout video game releases. Titles like Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, STALKER 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Balatro have all contributed to making this year memorable. But as we look ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a potentially record-setting year for gaming. The Game Awards 2024’s nominees for Most Anticipated Game give us a glimpse of what’s to come.

If all the games set for release next year actually make it to market, 2025 could go down as one of the best years ever for gaming. Even if some are delayed, there’ll be no shortage of exciting titles to keep gamers engaged. Just taking a look at the five nominees for The Game Awards’ Most Anticipated category gives a sense of the excitement building for the coming year. Every game on the list could easily captivate players throughout 2025, but, of course, only one will ultimately walk away with the award.

The Game Awards 2024’s Most Anticipated Game Nominees

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Ghost of Yotei
• Grand Theft Auto VI
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Monster Hunter Wilds

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima’s reputation in the gaming world is nothing short of legendary, consistently blending cinematic storytelling with gameplay to create unforgettable experiences. When the first Death Stranding launched in November 2019, it received a warm reception from both fans and critics. Its themes and direction have continued to resonate over the past five years.

The sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is expected to release in 2025, and anticipation is sky-high. Building on the narrative and themes from the original, the next game seems ready to dial up the surreal elements, promising another unique journey for players.

Ghost of Yotei

Initially overshadowed by the release of The Last of Us Part 2, Ghost of Tsushima has grown in standing as one of the premier action-adventure games of recent times. Its combat mechanics, engaging story, and striking visuals have earned it a special place among open-world games. After much speculation, a sequel has been confirmed for 2025.

Ghost of Yotei takes the action to Hokkaido in 1603, some 300 years after the original, with players assuming the role of Atsu, a new protagonist taking on the role of "The Ghost." The game promises new weapons and mechanics, reflecting the era’s technological advancements, including rifles. Given Ghost of Tsushima’s continued popularity, excitement for Ghost of Yotei is understandably high.

Grand Theft Auto 6

Fans of Grand Theft Auto have been eagerly awaiting a new installment ever since GTA 5 debuted over a decade ago. Speculation and anticipation have been building, and after a year of waiting since its first trailer was revealed, Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to ignite the gaming world in 2025.

Discussion about every conceivable aspect of GTA 6, from its characters and storylines to its open-world possibilities and multiplayer features, has kept fans engaged. When it finally hits shelves, it’s expected to be a truly monumental gaming event.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Gamers have been buzzing about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for nearly a decade. Finally, it looks like the wait is coming to an end with a tentative release window of 2025. Even with rumors of a new Nintendo console looming, it appears this title will still come out on the current Switch, which will please fans who’ve been eager for this game’s arrival.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Following 2018’s Monster Hunter: World, Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled to release on February 28, 2025. Unlike some of the other nominees, plenty is already known about this game, thanks to various trailers. While fans are excited to dive into its expansive open-world, some might miss the mystery that enshrouds the other contenders.

Final Prediction

Though games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yotei, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond have all captured the imagination of gamers, Grand Theft Auto 6 stands out as the clear frontrunner for The Game Awards 2024’s Most Anticipated Game. Its unprecedented anticipation makes it the crown jewel of 2025’s upcoming releases.

MORE: Discover 8 Exceptional Games from 2024 That Missed The Game Awards Nominations, Ranked