Everything That Happened at The Horror Game Awards 2025
From Silent Hill f dominance to VR horrors and indie breakthroughs, 2025 was a year to celebrate the chilling side of gaming.
The Horror Game Awards 2025 brought the genre into sharp focus, celebrating everything from spine-tingling indie projects to blockbuster horror releases. Hosted live for the first time at the Kensington Conference and Events Centre, the event showcased the talent, innovation, and creativity that make horror gaming one of the most dynamic areas of the industry.
Co-creators Phil Dickens and Will Penkeyman, alongside co-producer Ash Millman, led the ceremony, which gave both fans and developers a night to remember. Here's a look at everything that happened during the Horror Game Awards.
Emmanuel Umahi
/1. Silent Hill f sweeps the night
NeoBard’s Silent Hill f was the undisputed star of the evening. The survival horror title claimed Game of the Year, a testament to its chilling storytelling, technical polish, and immersive design. Beyond this top honor, the game also secured Best Narrative, recognizing its complex, haunting storyline, and Best Performance for Konatsu Kato’s gripping portrayal of the game’s protagonist.
The Technical Achievement Award further cemented its reputation as a standout in design, animation, and overall execution. Across six nominations, Silent Hill f walked away with four trophies, proving that its blend of atmosphere, suspense, and innovation resonated with both critics and the gaming community.
/2. Indie horror finds its spotlight with Look Outside
While Silent Hill f dominated the major categories, indie horror made a strong impression through Frankie Smile Show’s Look Outside. The game took home Best Art Direction, beating out even some of the bigger titles, and earned Best Indie Horror Game, celebrating its unique visual style and creative approach to world-building. Look Outside exemplifies how indie studios continue to push the boundaries of horror gaming, delivering experiences that are both imaginative and deeply engaging.
/3. Sound, VR, and immersive experiences shine
The night also recognized excellence in audio and immersive horror gameplay. DOOM: The Dark Ages earned Best Soundtrack, highlighting how a perfectly composed score can elevate tension and atmosphere.
Meanwhile, The Midnight Walk proved that VR horror continues to thrive, winning Best VR Horror Game and adding to its accolades from the Game Awards 2025, where it also earned Best AR/VR Game. These wins underscore how technology and design are expanding the ways players can experience fear and suspense in games.
/4. Honoring anticipation, accessibility, and multiplayer innovation
Anticipation for upcoming titles was recognized with Resident Evil Requiem winning Most Anticipated Horror Game, showing that the franchise’s mix of nostalgia, survival horror, and modern gameplay still excites fans.
Accessibility in horror was also celebrated, as Little Nightmares III earned Most Accessible Horror Game, demonstrating how designers are opening the genre to new players without sacrificing its eerie charm. On the multiplayer front, R.E.P.O was named Best Multiplayer Horror Game, proving that cooperative scares remain a thrilling avenue for game developers.
/5. Industry legends and rising stars recognized
The Horror Game Awards 2025 honoured not only games but the people behind them. Hideo Kojima received the Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting decades of influence on horror and survival game design.
Content creator Markiplier was celebrated as Horror Content Creator of the Year, reflecting his impact in connecting games to a wider audience through streaming and commentary. On the studio side, Red Barrels was named Best Developer, and indie developer Black Eyed Priest earned Best Indie Developer, showing appreciation for both large and small teams shaping the horror genre today.
Conclusion
The Horror Game Awards 2025 was a statement about the vitality of horror in gaming. From Silent Hill’s narrative and technical triumphs to the inventive worlds of indie titles like Look Outside, the event showcased the full spectrum of the genre. VR titles, multiplayer experiences, and accessible horror are expanding the ways players can experience fear, and with upcoming releases such as Resident Evil Requiem, 2026 promises even more innovation and thrills.
The night proved that horror isn't just about scares, it’s about storytelling, creativity, and the evolving ways players engage with tension, suspense, and fear. In 2025, horror gaming showed it’s alive, thriving, and ready to push players to the edge of their seats in the years to come.
Emmanuel Umahi
