The full list of games that won big at the PlayStation Blog Awards 2025
Nearly 1.5 million fan votes across 19 categories decided which titles defined PlayStation in 2025, from breakout indies to blockbuster exclusives.
The PlayStation Blog Awards 2025 returned with a celebration of the year’s best games, as chosen by the fans themselves. With nearly 1.5 million votes across 19 categories, PlayStation players determined which titles would earn top honors, highlighting the creativity, artistry, and innovation shaping the PlayStation ecosystem.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and moments from the show.
Emmanuel Umahi
/1. Ghost of Yōtei Wins Best New Character
This year’s Best New Character category was packed with memorable faces, from haunting horror protagonists to nimble heroes. Atsu from Ghost of Yōtei captured the Platinum trophy, standing out for striking design, evolving combat, and a deeply personal arc brought to life by Sucker Punch Productions and voice actor Erika Ishii.
Hornet from Hollow Knight: Silksong took Gold, showing off graceful movement and combat finesse, while Maelle from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earned Silver for her vivid characterization. Bronze went to Hinako from Silent Hill f, whose story of survival in a corrupted town left a lasting impression.
/2. Best Story Goes to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Storytelling reigned supreme in 2025, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 taking the Platinum trophy. Its narrative balance of darkness and levity, alongside disarmingly authentic dialogue, made it a cultural touchstone for players. Gold went to Ghost of Yōtei, a tale of revenge and redemption, while Death Stranding 2: On the Beach claimed Silver for its sweeping, cinematic narrative. Silent Hill f rounded out the category with Bronze, immersing players in small-town horror that lingered long after play sessions ended.
/3. Ghost of Yōtei is the Best Graphical Showcase
Ghost of Yōtei also earned Platinum for Best Graphical Showcase, impressing players with its lush foliage, ray tracing, and meticulous attention to detail across every corner of Ezo. Gold went to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, blending evocative landscapes and realistic character models, while Battlefield 6 earned Silver for its explosive visual spectacle. Bronze went to Arc Raiders, where devastated battlegrounds were as beautiful as they were deadly.
/4. Best Art Direction Goes to Sucker Punch
Sucker Punch took another win with Platinum for Best Art Direction. Ghost of Yōtei’s depiction of 1600s Japan combined environmental detail with a rich, immersive aesthetic. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earned Gold for its painterly, multi-inspired look, while Hollow Knight: Silksong claimed Silver with its captivating insect kingdom. Bronze went to Silent Hill f, which transformed a peaceful small town into a labyrinth of terror.
/5. Ghost of Yōtei Had the Best Audio Design
For audio, Ghost of Yōtei once again led the pack. The Platinum-winning soundscape brought Japan to life, from the crunch of swords to the twang of shamisen and environmental cues, all enhanced through the DualSense controller. Gold went to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Silver to Battlefield 6, and Bronze to Hollow Knight: Silksong, each offering immersive sound that pulled players into their worlds.
/6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Holds the Award for Best Soundtrack
Music defined moments in 2025, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earning Platinum for a score that ranged from sweeping orchestral arrangements to funky character themes and soaring vocals. Ghost of Yōtei earned Gold, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Silver, and Hollow Knight: Silksong Bronze, each delivering memorable compositions that enhanced gameplay.
/7. Best Accessibility Features has Ghost of Yōtei Shining
Accessibility was a priority, and Ghost of Yōtei took Platinum for expanding upon Ghost of Tsushima’s inclusive design. Visual assists, alternate-input options, and clear combat cues helped a wide range of players engage with the game. Battlefield 6 earned Gold, Assassin’s Creed Shadows Silver, and Split Fiction Bronze, demonstrating the growing care developers place on accessibility.
/8. Ghost of Yōtei is This Year's Best Use of DualSense
The DualSense controller shone in Ghost of Yōtei, earning Platinum. From interactive camping moments to the clash of steel in combat, every action was enhanced by haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach took Gold for mimicking cargo hauling and terrain traversal, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earned Silver, and Battlefield 6 claimed Bronze for immersive weapon and explosion effects.
/9. Best Rerelease (Remaster) is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered earned Platinum, delighting fans with upgraded visuals and polish. Gold went to Days Gone Remastered, Silver to Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered, and Bronze to Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, each celebrating timeless classics on modern hardware.
/10. Battlefield 6 Won the Best Multiplayer Experience
Battlefield 6 claimed Platinum for its large-scale, action-packed multiplayer battles. Arc Raiders earned Gold for its fresh approach to extraction gameplay, while Marvel Rivals took Silver, and Split Fiction earned Bronze, highlighting the depth and variety of multiplayer experiences in 2025.
/11. Best Ongoing Game for 2025 is Genshin Impact
Platinum went to Genshin Impact, with ongoing content and seasonal updates keeping fans engaged. Marvel Rivals took Gold, Silver went to Fortnite, and Bronze to Honkai: Star Rail, showing how sustained development and player engagement can maintain a game’s relevance over time.
/12. Lies of P: Overture Has the Best Expansion
Lies of P: Overture earned Platinum for expanding its world through a prequel experience filled with challenging bosses. Gold went to Helldivers 2: Heart of Democracy, Silver to Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji, and Bronze to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – The Order of Giants, each delivering substantial content beyond their base games.
/13. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Owns the Best Sports Game Award
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds took Platinum for its thrilling courses and character roster. Gold went to Forza Horizon 5, Silver to EA Sports FC 26, and Bronze to Rematch, showcasing the variety of racing and sports experiences on PlayStation.
/14. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the Best Independent Game
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took Platinum, emphasizing innovation and imaginative gameplay. Hollow Knight: Silksong earned Gold, Dispatch Silver, and Ready or Not Bronze, proving that smaller teams can create impactful and memorable experiences.
/15. Best PS VR2 Game for 2025 is Alien: Rogue Incursion
Alien: Rogue Incursion earned Platinum for its VR innovation. Gold went to Hitman: World of Assassination, Silver to The Midnight Walk, and Bronze to Zombie Army VR, highlighting the best of immersive VR gameplay on PS5.
/16. Hollow Knight: Silksong Named Best PS4 Game
Hollow Knight: Silksong took Platinum for its challenging, beautifully designed platforming experience. Gold went to Elden Ring Nightreign, Silver to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and Bronze to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, showing that PS4 titles still have a strong presence.
/17. Ghost of Yōtei owns Best PS5 Game
Ghost of Yōtei claimed Platinum, impressing players with improvements in story, gameplay, and features. Gold went to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Silver to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Bronze to Arc Raiders, rounding out a competitive year for PS5 exclusives.
/18. Studio of the Year Goes to Kojima Productions
Kojima Productions earned Platinum after the release of Death Stranding 2 and a global showcase tour. Gold went to Sandfall Interactive, Silver to Sucker Punch Productions, and Bronze to Team Cherry, recognizing their outstanding contributions to gaming in 2025.
Most Anticipated Game of 2026 and Beyond
Excitement is already building for 2026. Marvel’s Wolverine earned Platinum, narrowly surpassing Gold winner Resident Evil Requiem. Silver went to 007 First Light and Bronze to LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, showing players’ eagerness for next year’s adventures.
Conclusion
The PlayStation Awards 2025 highlighted a diverse mix of genres, experiences, and platforms. From immersive worlds like Ghost of Yōtei and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to competitive multiplayer, remasters, VR innovations, and upcoming 2026 releases, the year confirmed that PlayStation continues to deliver experiences that captivate, challenge, and inspire its global audience.
Emmanuel Umahi
