The curtain has closed on Gamescom 2025, and with it, a new class of video game champions has emerged. Europe's largest gaming convention once again played host to a dazzling array of titles, but only a handful could claim the coveted Gamescom Awards. This year, the results reflected both the enduring power of blockbuster franchises and the rising influence of indie innovation—an exciting mix that’s sure to shape the industry’s future.
According to GameSpot, the headline-grabbing winner of the weekend was Resident Evil Requiem. Capcom’s highly anticipated survival horror sequel didn’t just meet expectations—it blew them away, snagging four major awards: Best Sony PlayStation Game, Best Visuals, Best Audio, and the Most Epic category. That’s a sweep few could have predicted, especially in a year stacked with fierce competition from both established names and upstart studios.
The expert jury behind the Gamescom Awards faced a tough task. As reported by GameSpot and other outlets, nominees were submitted by publishers who paid to enter their games in selected categories. But it wasn’t just a popularity contest. A panel of seasoned industry experts evaluated each title on presentation, gameplay, and innovation. This rigorous process ensured that every winner had to earn its place on the podium, whether it was a sprawling epic or a heartfelt indie experience.
Let’s break down the big winners. Resident Evil Requiem’s dominance was clear, but it wasn’t the only title to make a splash. Windup’s Hela, a charming indie puzzle-adventure, surprised many by clinching two high-profile awards: Most Wholesome and Most Entertaining. That’s no small feat, especially when going toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World. As Gamespot noted, “there were surprise winners among the indie titles like Windup's Hela, which won two awards against stiff competition from more established games.”
Speaking of Nintendo, the company’s iconic franchises continued to impress. Donkey Kong Bananza swung into the spotlight to capture the Best Gameplay Award, while Mario Kart World raced ahead to win the inaugural Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game. These victories underscore Nintendo’s ongoing knack for delivering engaging, polished experiences that resonate with players across generations.
On the PC front, Ubisoft’s Anno 117: Pax Romana was named Best PC Game, outpacing strong contenders like Borderlands 4 and World of Warcraft. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s console saw Grounded 2 declared Best Microsoft Xbox Game, a testament to Obsidian Entertainment’s creative prowess and the growing diversity of the Xbox platform.
Another standout was Tiny Bookshop, which took home the Games for Impact award. With its impactful narrative and thoughtful design, this title exemplifies how games are increasingly being recognized not just for entertainment value, but for their ability to foster empathy and spark important conversations. As highlighted by both GameSpot and other sources, the Games for Impact category is becoming a vital space for innovation and social commentary within the industry.
The list of nominees this year was as vibrant and varied as ever. According to the official Gamescom announcements and GameSpot’s reporting, the finalists included everything from grand adventures to intimate, emotionally charged stories. Titles like Borderlands 4, Crimson Desert, Dune: Awakening, and Super Meat Boy 3D each brought their own flavor to the competition. Even if they didn’t win, their presence on the shortlist speaks volumes about the health and creativity of the gaming landscape.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key nominees across the major categories:
- Borderlands 4 was up for Best Visuals, Best PC Game, Best Sony PlayStation Game, and Best Microsoft Game.
- Crimson Desert competed for Best Visuals, Best Microsoft Game, Best Sony PlayStation Game, and Most Epic.
- Little Nightmares 3 was nominated for Best Audio and Best Microsoft Game.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree were both in the running for Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game.
- PVKK and World of Warcraft were recognized in the Best PC Game category.
- Winter Burrow and Is This Seat Taken? were among those considered for Most Wholesome.
Of course, not every nominee could take home a trophy, but as the official Gamescom statement noted, “while the nominees weren’t able to win, they still are the best in the categories and are definitely worth a game.” That’s a sentiment echoed by many in the industry: being shortlisted at Gamescom is itself a mark of distinction, given the sheer volume and quality of submissions each year.
The Gamescom Awards, as explained by GameSpot, are more than just a celebration—they’re a bellwether for what’s next in gaming. The jury’s focus on graphics, gameplay, and innovation means that each winner is not only a crowd-pleaser, but also a harbinger of where the industry is headed. Whether it’s the cinematic terror of Resident Evil Requiem, the heartwarming charm of Hela, or the social resonance of Tiny Bookshop, these titles are shaping conversations and setting new standards.
This year’s show also highlighted the evolving relationship between major studios and indie developers. The fact that a game like Hela could triumph in two major categories against established franchises speaks volumes about the democratization of game development. With powerful tools and passionate communities, indie creators are increasingly able to compete on a global stage—and win.
It’s worth noting, too, that the selection process itself is designed to reward genuine innovation. Publishers may pay to nominate their games, but the final call rests with a jury that’s committed to fairness and merit. As a result, the Gamescom Awards have become a trusted signal for both players and industry insiders looking to identify the most promising and impactful new releases.
As Gamescom 2025 draws to a close, the excitement is palpable—not just for the winners, but for the entire gaming community. The titles honored this year represent the cutting edge of creativity, technology, and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of blockbuster action, thoughtful indie gems, or socially conscious narratives, there’s something here for everyone. And with so many anticipated releases on the horizon, the next year in gaming promises to be just as thrilling.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Resident Evil Requiem, Hela, Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Tiny Bookshop, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and Grounded 2—a lineup that’s sure to inspire both players and creators in the months to come.
