The close of 2025 marks yet another thrilling chapter in the world of video games, a realm that has been as exhilarating as it has been unpredictable. Eurogamer's Alternate Game Awards brings a light-hearted, cheeky look back at a year filled with triumphs and trials. From groundbreaking hardware launches to unforeseen industry challenges, the gaming landscape this year has been anything but ordinary.
Best Logistical Execution: Nintendo Switch 2 Review Units
The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 was marked by a unique logistical challenge. Nintendo's decision not to release review units before the official launch was a significant departure from the norm. Instead, Nintendo UK arranged one-to-one courier deliveries to the media's doorstep just moments before the console hit the shelves in New Zealand. This meticulous planning demonstrated a remarkable commitment to maintaining control over their product's first impressions, even in a less-than-ideal situation.
Hospital Pass of the Year: Xbox Game Pass Announcement
The unveiling of changes to Xbox Game Pass on October 1st placed an unnamed spokesperson in the hot seat, delivering unpopular news about price increases and service adjustments. Xbox executives were notably absent, leaving this representative to face the backlash alone, an example of a true 'hospital pass' in British parlance—a task destined to invite criticism.
Best Dogged Diligence: Firaxis and Civilization 7
Civilization 7 may not have been the game of the year, but Firaxis Games deserves accolades for their tireless efforts to address player feedback post-launch. Despite not meeting initial expectations, the pace at which Firaxis has rolled out patches and updates is commendable, showcasing their commitment to enhancing this beloved series and moving it closer to greatness.
Studio of the Year: Obsidian Entertainment
Obsidian Entertainment has had a standout year with titles like Avowed, Grounded 2 Early Access, and The Outer Worlds 2. Their strategic approach of releasing smaller, iterative games has paid off, proving that not every title needs to be a blockbuster. Instead, Obsidian has excelled in delivering smart, engaging experiences that resonate with players.
Worst Trend: The Impact of Generative AI
The rapid evolution of Generative AI has posed substantial challenges and raised numerous questions within the gaming industry. While the potential benefits are acknowledged, the underlying moral and economic implications cannot be ignored, creating a landscape of uncertainty that overshadowed much of 2025.
Number Crunch of the Year: Xbox Financial Ups and Downs
This year, Xbox reported a first-ever near $5 billion in Game Pass revenue, with a 10% increase in overall gaming revenue. Conversely, this success coincided with significant layoffs across Xbox and entire studio closures, reflecting a dichotomy between financial success and internal strife.
The Deathloop Award for Best Game Only Journos Liked: Baby Steps
"Baby Steps" stood apart as a divisive yet innovative release, admired by critics for its subversive design and narrative. Despite its challenging gameplay mechanics, which left many players frustrated, it was celebrated for offering a unique, introspective gaming experience.
Wingman of the Year: Death Stranding's Norman Reedus
As Britain's Online Safety Act rolled out stringent age verification measures, Norman Reedus' in-game likeness in "Death Stranding" inadvertently became a tool for bypassing these systems, providing an unexpected dose of levity amidst regulatory challenges.
Healthiest Genre: MMORPGs Persist
Despite a tumultuous year marked by closures and layoffs, MMORPGs have proven resilient. With established titles like Old School RuneScape and Final Fantasy 11 witnessing surges in engagement, the genre holds strong as a pillar for community-building and nostalgic gaming.
Best Weaponized Nostalgia: Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo's "Donkey Kong Bananza" expertly balanced new content with nostalgic elements, pleasing lifelong fans while subtly asserting that great games don't always need to rely solely on nostalgia.
A Look Ahead: Nvidia's Planned GPU Supply Slash
As 2025 closes, news of Nvidia's planned 40% reduction in GPU supply looms over the gaming industry, hinting at potential disruptions in hardware availability and pricing. With such challenges on the horizon, 2026 promises to be another year full of surprises and adjustments for gamers worldwide.
