The 2025 Steam Awards winners are officially in. After millions of community votes, Steam has crowned the best games of the year across creativity, gameplay, storytelling, and long-term support.
This guide breaks down all 2025 Steam Award winners, explains what each category means, and analyzes why these games earned their titles. If you want a clear, SEO-friendly summary without fluff, you are in the right place.
What Are the Steam Awards?
The Steam Awards are 100 percent community-voted. Players vote based on real playtime, ownership, and hands-on experience. Unlike critic-driven awards, these winners reflect what gamers actually enjoyed and stuck with.
The 2025 awards also launched alongside major discounts, making it one of the best times of the year to buy these titles.
In This Post
Full List of 2025 Steam Awards Winners
Before we dive into the analysis, here is the quick-reference list of every title that took home a trophy this year.
The Steam Awards are a snapshot of real player sentiment. These wins show clear trends:
Players value long-term support
Performance on Steam Deck matters
Polish beats hype
Community-driven updates win loyalty
For developers, this is feedback at scale. For players, it is a trusted buying guide.
Conclusion
The 2025 Steam Awards winners highlight a year where quality, commitment, and creativity stood out. From blockbuster releases like Silksong to smaller, relaxing experiences, Steam’s community rewarded games that respected their time and attention.
If you are looking for what to play next, this list is not just popular. It is proven.
If you love surprise drops, the Epic Games Store Holiday Mystery Giveaway is basically Christmas coming early. Epic teased a “major mystery game” for days, and honestly, most of us expected something big — but Hogwarts Legacy going free wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card.
Yes, you read that right. The blockbuster wizard RPG is officially free to claim for a limited time. And this move just kicked off a 17-day run of daily mystery games, which means we’re in for a pretty fun December.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in a clean, no-nonsense, casually professional way.
In This Post
What’s Going On With Epic’s Holiday Mystery Games?
Every year, Epic Games Store does a big winter giveaway, but this one already feels like their boldest yet. Instead of announcing the lineup early, they use mystery gift icons and reveal each game when the timer hits zero.
This year, the hype started during The Game Awards, where Epic hinted that the first free title would be a massive one. Turns out, they weren’t joking.
Hogwarts Legacy Is Now Free — Here Are the Details
For a game that dominated sales charts and social media when it launched, seeing Hogwarts Legacy as a free title is wild — in a good way.
Free Game Info
Game: Hogwarts Legacy
Platform: Epic Games Store
Free Until: December 18
Yours Forever: Yes, once you claim it, it stays in your library
Event Type: Day 1 of the Holiday Mystery Giveaway
All you need is an Epic account. No subscription. No catch. Claim, click, done.
If you’ve been holding off because of price or backlog guilt, well… now you’re out of excuses.
Why Hogwarts Legacy Is Such a Big Deal
Even if you aren’t a hardcore Potter fan, you can’t ignore how successful this game was. It’s one of the bestselling RPGs of the decade, and the worldbuilding is ridiculously detailed.
Here’s why players loved it so much:
Huge open world packed with quests and secrets
Smooth combat with tons of spell combos
Character creation that feels personal
A fresh story not tied to the main films
Cozy vibes mixed with dark fantasy
Getting a game of this scale for free makes this one of Epic’s biggest giveaway wins to date.
How to Claim It (Takes Less Than 30 Seconds)
If you’re new to Epic or just need a quick reminder, here’s the simplest breakdown possible:
Open the Epic Games Store launcher or website.
Head to the Free Games section on the homepage.
Find Hogwarts Legacy and click Get.
Complete checkout (it’s $0.00).
Done — it’s in your library forever.
No downloads required upfront. You can claim now and install whenever you want.
What’s Next in the Mystery Game Schedule?
Here’s the fun part: 16 more mystery games are coming — one every day. The reveals usually drop at the same time each day, and Epic tends to mix things up:
AAA titles
Indie gems
Cult favorites
Surprise new releases
If this event started with Hogwarts Legacy, the rest of the lineup could get very interesting.
Should You Pay Attention to the Daily Reveals?
Short answer: yes.
Epic likes to get competitive during the holidays, and this year’s opener proves they’re going for maximum attention. If you love free games, discovering surprises, or padding your library, it’s worth checking in daily. Even if you don’t want every title, the chance of another big drop is high.
Final Thoughts
Epic Games Store just pulled off one of the biggest attention-grabbing mystery giveaways ever by making Hogwarts Legacy free. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the wizarding world or a casual RPG player looking for something fresh, this is a deal you shouldn’t skip.
Claim it, enjoy the magic, and get ready — because with 17 days of reveals ahead, December is about to be stacked with freebies.
FAQs
Is Hogwarts Legacy actually free?
Yes. Completely free to claim on Epic Games Store until December 18.
Do I keep the game forever?
Yep. Once you add it to your account, it stays there permanently.
Do I need to install it right away?
No. You can claim now and install later.
Will the future mystery games be as big?
There’s no guarantee, but starting with a AAA title is a strong sign that the lineup will be impressive.
Do I need to pay for an Epic subscription?
No subscription required. Just a free Epic account.
After years of speculation and mounting anticipation, Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI once again. The new launch date is November 19, 2026, pushing it back from the previously expected May 2026 window. This marks the second official delay, but Rockstar says the time is necessary to polish the game and fix remaining issues.
Here’s a full breakdown of everything we know so far about GTA VI, including the new release date, expected features, platforms, and what this means for fans and players.
GTA VI Release Date: Now Set for November 19, 2026
Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA VI will now release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Originally slated for a 2025 release, the game was later postponed to May 2026. Now with this second delay, Rockstar issued a statement saying:
“These extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”
This isn’t unusual for Rockstar, who also delayed Red Dead Redemption 2 multiple times before its 2018 release, which ultimately paid off in terms of critical acclaim and commercial success.
Why Was GTA VI Delayed?
The reason, according to Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive, is to ensure the final product meets quality expectations. In short:
More time is needed for polish and bug fixes
The delay gives developers a chance to refine gameplay, visuals, and AI
Avoiding a rushed launch helps prevent issues seen in other big releases like Cyberpunk 2077
Delays of this kind are now common in AAA game development. Studios are under pressure to avoid unfinished launches, especially given the complexity and scale of modern open-world titles.
Setting: Welcome to Leonida
GTA VI takes place in Leonida, a fictional U.S. state inspired by Florida. The map features:
Vice City (a modern reimagining of the Miami-inspired city)
Surrounding rural areas, beaches, and swamps
Urban environments with a mix of high-rise buildings and neon streets
What stands out is the claim that this is Rockstar’s most ambitious world yet, with more interior access, interactive NPCs, and dynamic events than any of their previous games.
Players can reportedly enter a far greater number of buildings than before, with:
Fully explorable nightclubs, stores, and homes
Dynamic object interaction
Live economy and changing prices
3. Improved Visuals and Animation
GTA VI uses an upgraded version of Rockstar’s RAGE engine:
Real-time weather and lighting
Fluid character movement and facial animations
Highly detailed environments comparable to or better than Red Dead Redemption 2
4. Two Main Characters
The protagonists are rumored to be:
Lucia, the series’ first playable female lead
A male partner (possibly named Jason) This Bonnie-and-Clyde dynamic could offer dual perspectives with cooperative and solo story arcs.
Will GTA VI Release on PC?
Not at launch.
Just like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, the PC version will come later, potentially 6–12 months after the console release. Rockstar has not confirmed a PC date yet, but it is expected.
Next Trailer: When to Expect It
Fans are hungry for the next trailer, especially since the first teaser broke YouTube records. A third trailer is heavily rumored to arrive:
Possibly in early 2026, ahead of E3 or a summer showcase
Or closer to pre-orders and marketing pushes in Q3 2026
Rockstar tends to keep things tightly controlled, so nothing is confirmed yet.
What This Means for Fans
You’ll need to wait another year before you can play GTA VI.
The delay suggests Rockstar wants to avoid a messy launch.
New trailers and gameplay reveals are expected in 2026, possibly tied to major gaming events.
PC gamers should prepare for an even longer wait.
If you’re planning to buy a new console or upgrade your setup, you have a firm target date now. Pre-orders will likely go live mid-2026, along with special editions and bundles.
Conclusion
While delays are frustrating, they often lead to better outcomes. With GTA VI, Rockstar is aiming for something that surpasses their past work both in scope and execution. Based on everything we’ve seen and heard, the game promises to push boundaries in open-world gaming once again.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move into 2026. Rockstar is expected to ramp up marketing with new trailers, gameplay reveals, and details on editions and pricing.
FAQs
Why did Rockstar delay GTA VI again?
They said they need more time to polish the game and fix bugs to meet quality expectations.
What platforms will GTA VI launch on?
It will release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version will come later.
Will GTA VI have two main characters?
Yes, Lucia and an unnamed male partner, rumored to be based on a Bonnie-and-Clyde storyline.
Is Vice City the main setting?
Yes, Vice City is one of the main cities in the fictional Leonida state, inspired by Florida.
When is the next trailer coming?
There’s no confirmed date, but fans expect a third trailer in early or mid-2026.
Gamers, buckle up — the wait just got longer. Rockstar Games has officially delayed Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) yet again, pushing the release from May to November 19, 2026. While this news might be frustrating for millions of fans, it also signals Rockstar’s commitment to delivering a polished, blockbuster experience worthy of its iconic legacy.
So, what exactly happened? Why the delay — and what does it mean for the most anticipated game of the decade?
Let’s break it all down.
In This Post
What’s the New GTA 6 Release Date?
Rockstar Games confirmed on its official Newswire that GTA 6 will now be released on November 19, 2026. The game was previously scheduled for May 2026, after an initial window targeting 2025.
This marks the second delay since the game was first announced. Rockstar released a statement saying:
“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realise has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”
In other words, they’re pulling a classic Rockstar move: delay now to (hopefully) avoid a disaster later.
Hi everyone,
Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026.
We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and… pic.twitter.com/yLX9KIiDzX
Even with the delays, Rockstar has teased plenty of details to keep the hype alive. Here’s what we know:
🔸 Dual Protagonists
GTA VI will feature two main characters — Lucia and Jason, inspired by the infamous criminal couple Bonnie and Clyde. This marks the first time a female protagonist takes center stage in the GTA universe.
🔸 Setting: Leonida & Vice City
The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, a stand-in for Florida, with much of the action centered in a modern-day Vice City — Rockstar’s neon-drenched version of Miami. Expect palm trees, nightclubs, speedboats, and all the chaos that comes with it.
🔸 Gameplay Leaks
In 2022, Rockstar suffered one of the biggest leaks in gaming history, with over 90 gameplay videos from an early build of GTA VI circulating online. Despite the leak, Rockstar remained committed to their timeline — until now.
🔸 Platforms
GTA VI is officially coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There’s no word yet on a PC release, though it’s likely to follow later, as has been the trend with past GTA titles.
Why Did Rockstar Delay GTA 6 Again?
While no game developer wants to delay a release, the stakes for GTA VI are massive. Rockstar stated the delay is all about polish and quality. Here’s why this matters:
Unmatched expectations: GTA V has sold over 185 million copies, and its online component still earns Rockstar billions annually. GTA VI has to top that — or at least match it.
Complex open-world design: Leonida is expected to be one of Rockstar’s most expansive worlds, possibly bigger and more dynamic than anything we’ve seen before.
Preventing a cyberpunk scenario: After games like Cyberpunk 2077 launched with critical bugs, studios are increasingly cautious about rushing releases.
In short, Rockstar knows a rough launch could damage not just GTA VI, but its entire reputation.
What This Means for Fans & the Industry
🔹 For Fans
More waiting — obviously.
But also, potentially a better game at launch.
Increased speculation and hype as we creep closer to 2026.
Think of it like waiting for your favorite band to drop an album — would you rather get it early and half-finished, or perfectly mastered?
🔹 For the Gaming Industry
Other developers may shuffle their release schedules to avoid going head-to-head with GTA VI.
With this delay, Rockstar has effectively given 2026’s gaming calendar a new North Star.
The pressure is now sky-high for the game to deliver on every front — gameplay, graphics, story, and longevity.
Behind the Delay: Rockstar’s Strategic Play?
While some might view this as a simple production hiccup, others see it as a smart strategic move:
Extending the GTA V cash cow: GTA Online continues to rake in microtransaction revenue. A delay gives Rockstar more time to milk it before launching the next big thing.
Aligning with next-gen updates: A 2026 release gives more time for a potential mid-cycle console refresh (think PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X+).
Less competition: By avoiding 2025, they sidestep a packed year of big-name titles.
Final Thoughts: Delay Now, Win Later?
Rockstar Games isn’t new to delays — they’ve done it before with Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V. And both of those games ended up being masterpieces.
So while November 2026 may feel painfully far away, if it means getting the best possible version of GTA VI — it might just be worth the wait.
After all, we’ve waited over a decade for this sequel. What’s a few more months?
FAQs About the GTA 6 Delay
Why was GTA 6 delayed again?
Rockstar cited the need for more time to polish the game and meet the high expectations of fans.
What is the new release date for GTA VI?
The new release date is November 19, 2026.
Who are the protagonists of GTA VI?
GTA VI will feature Lucia and Jason, a crime duo inspired by Bonnie and Clyde.
Will the game come to PC at launch?
As of now, GTA VI is only confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC release may come later.
Where is GTA VI set?
The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, primarily in modern-day Vice City, a Miami-like metropolis.
Gamers from all over the world look forward to Gamescom in Cologne, Germany every August, and 2025 was no exception. This year’s show was packed with excitement, from jaw-dropping trailers to eagerly anticipated sequels, independent favorites, and surprising crossover events.
This is a comprehensive summary of all the major announcements from Gamescom 2025, including release dates, trailers, and the games that are creating the most buzz, regardless of whether you’re an avid RPG player, a co-op shooter addict, or simply trying to update your wishlist.
Black Ops 7 marks the return of Activision’s flagship franchise and promises a dark, cinematic cooperative campaign along with a brand-new PvE mode called Endgame. What’s fresh?
Hollywood cast: Kiernan Shipka and Milo Ventimiglia are the campaign’s main stars.
Real-time squad tactics in the new zombies mode.
Date of Release: November 14, 2025
A gritty, spy-filled adventure with the makings of a big-budget movie.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
The news of Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a new take on Gotham, gave fans a nostalgic surprise.
Batmobile missions and open-world exploration
Melee combat in the style of Arkham (yes, combos!)
Co-op mode both locally and online
Date of Release: 2026
Black Myth: Zhong Kui
Wukong, the follow-up to the cult favorite Black Myth, explores Chinese mythology in greater detail. With spellcasting, monster transformations, and legendary boss fights, Zhong Kui, the demon-hunting exorcist, takes the lead in this dark fantasy role-playing game.
Resident Evil: Requiem
Once more, Capcom raised the bar for horror. With its eerie settings, puzzle-heavy design, and more narratively oriented mechanics, the latest entry, Requiem, revives the claustrophobic tension of the series.
Date of Release: February 27, 2026
Early video demonstrates a return to a traditional inventory with few resources.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
It will happen in 2025, and it is real. Fans were promised a “special announcement” later this week, but Team Cherry hasn’t yet revealed a release date. In this eagerly awaited Metroidvania sequel, Hornet makes a comeback.
World Premieres, Expansions & Cinematic Surprises
Fallout TV Show: Season 2
Season 2 of the Fallout series on Amazon Prime transports us to New Vegas, right out of the Wasteland. Deeper political tension and well-known factions were hinted at in a teaser trailer for Justin Theroux’s character, Robert House.
Premiere Date: December 17, 2025
World of Warcraft: Midnight Expansion
With hints of mysterious lore and a cinematic flair, Blizzard revealed the Midnight expansion. Anticipate updated talent trees, faction politics, and new zones.
Cult of the Lamb – Woolhaven
With a huge Woolhaven chapter, the cute but eerie cult simulator makes a comeback. Rituals, new supporters, and a campaign with a strong narrative.
Action, nostalgia, and unexpected crossovers
Ninja Gaiden 4
With Ninja Gaiden 4, the fast-paced franchise retaliates with vertical traversal, a darker, more mature plot, and lightning-fast gameplay.
Indiana Jones DLC: The Order of Giants
This September, a surprise DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be released that includes puzzles, ancient Norse lore, and a playable flashback sequence of Indiana as a child.
Coming to Switch 2 in 2026!
Monster Hunter Wilds × Final Fantasy XIV
Two enormous worlds clash. Square Enix and Capcom hinted at a crossover event that would debut this autumn and feature new hunts, monsters, and themed gear sets.
Hidden Gems & Indie Game Highlights
Gamescom 2025 allowed for independent magic despite the excitement of the blockbusters:
Valor Mortis: A Souls game reminiscent of Napoleon’s Bloodborne
The atmospheric samurai stealth-action game Ghost of Yōtei
A meta-platformer that parodies TikTok culture is called Death by Scrolling.
Herdling is a touching story game that involves gathering creatures.
Heat: A survival game based on community dynamics and the climate crisis
Xbox Day-1 Announcements
Microsoft’s showcase had surprises, too:
ROG Xbox Ally X & Ally handhelds release on October 16, 2025
Triangle Strategy, Rogue Prince of Persia, and Outbound coming to Game Pass
Shadow drops kept fans guessing throughout the event
Gamescom 2025 Hype Table
Title
What’s New
Release Date
Black Ops 7
Co-op, Endgame PvE mode
November 14, 2025
Lego Batman: Dark Knight
Open-world Gotham + Arkham combat
2026
Resident Evil Requiem
Classic survival-horror tension returns
February 27, 2026
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Special announcement coming soon
2025
Fallout TV Season 2
Set in New Vegas with Robert House
December 17, 2025
WoW: Midnight
Cinematic new expansion
TBA
Ninja Gaiden 4
Fast-paced ninja gameplay revival
TBA
Monster Hunter × FFXIV
Crossover monsters and gear
Fall 2025
Xbox Ally Handhelds
Portable Game Pass devices
October 16, 2025
Cult of the Lamb – Woolhaven
Major new chapter with deeper mechanics
TBA
Final Thoughts
The heart and the heat were brought by Gamescom 2025. This year’s announcements demonstrated that gaming is only getting better, from the bold comebacks of beloved franchises to the emergence of immersive independent games.
Follow Xbox’s Game Pass releases for some instant-access surprises, and check back later this week for more Hollow Knight updates.
FAQs – Gamescom 2025 Edition
When is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 releasing?
It drops on November 14, 2025, across PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
What’s special about Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight?
It combines open-world design with Arkham-style combat and full co-op mode.
Did Hollow Knight: Silksong get a release date?
Not yet, but a major announcement is expected later this week. It’s confirmed for 2025.
Is the Fallout TV series continuing?
Yes! Season 2 is set in New Vegas and debuts on December 17, 2025.
What are the Xbox Ally handhelds?
They’re portable Game Pass-ready consoles launching October 16, 2025.
A revolutionary summer roadmap for Assassin’s Creed Shadows was recently released by Ubisoft, and it includes a significant expansion, long-requested features, and tons of new content. This update is expected to revitalize the experience, regardless of whether you are an experienced shinobi or are new to feudal Japan.
From Project 3 and New Game Plus to the Claws of Awaji expansion and exciting quality-of-life updates, let’s explore everything you need to know.
Summer Highlights at a Glance
Date
Update/Event
July 29, 2025
New Game Plus + Project 3
Early September
Quality-of-Life Improvements
August 12, 2025
Reddit AMA with Developers
September 16, 2025
Claws of Awaji Expansion (Free for Pre-orders)
New Game Plus Arrives – July 29, 2025
You asked, Ubisoft listened.
Players will be able to relive the story with their current character level, equipment, knowledge rank, and hideout progression completely intact when New Game Plus finally launches on July 29.
Here’s what resets:
Story progression
Objective board progress
Discovered map locations
Here’s what carries over:
Character level (now increased to a new cap of 80)
Gear and acquired skills
Knowledge and mastery ranks
Hideout progression (including upgrades at Hiji’s Forge)
You can either jump straight to Naoe inheriting the hideout or start the story over from the beginning. Additionally, on your second journey, tutorials are disabled, so don’t worry.
Anticipate upgrades to your mastery skills, new knowledge ranks, and the option to play as Yasuke or Naoe, regardless of how you played initially.
NG+ Rewards:
Complete New Game Plus to unlock exclusive brag-worthy rewards only accessible through this mode.
Project 3 Launches – July 29
Alongside NG+, Ubisoft is dropping Project 3—the latest installment in its ongoing live content system.
What’s Inside:
New resources and data files
Animus-themed collectibles
Trophies and achievements
Fully switchable—no time pressure to finish previous projects
Whether you’re lore-hunting or gear-chasing, Project 3 adds fresh incentive to dive back in.
Quality-of-Life Upgrades – Early September
Ubisoft is answering player requests with a slew of long-awaited improvements arriving in early September:
New Features:
Unfog the map by syncing every viewpoint in a region
Fast-forward time of day for stealth planning and photo ops
HUD and UI customization enhancements
Immersion-focused polish to settings and cutscenes
These features address top community feedback and further refine gameplay flexibility and visual immersion.
Claws of Awaji Expansion – September 16
Get ready for the first major DLC: Claws of Awaji, landing September 16, 2025.
What’s Included:
Over 10 hours of new content
A brand new region: Awaji Island
New weapon: the Bō staff
New enemy faction: the Sanzoku Ippa
More gear, hideout upgrades, and lore
Important: Claws of Awaji is free for players who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Others will need to purchase it separately.
Note: You must complete the main campaign to access the DLC.
Reddit AMA – August 12
Do you want to speak with the developers directly?
On August 12, Ubisoft’s team will host a Reddit AMA to answer your most pressing questions, share their future plans, and solicit feedback. Make sure to mark that date on your calendars. Don’t pass up this opportunity to be heard!
Ubisoft’s Community Milestones
Ubisoft also shared some fun milestones:
5+ million players
2 billion stealth kills
38 million animals petted (because priorities)
Clearly, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is resonating with fans, and this roadmap shows Ubisoft is committed to nurturing that success.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows summer roadmap promises to enhance your journey in significant new ways, regardless of whether you’re a lore-junkie, a completionist, or simply enjoy cutting through shadows.
There are plenty of reasons to return, including the Claws of Awaji expansion and New Game Plus. In one of the most atmospheric Assassin’s Creed games to date, align your points of view, hone your skills, and get ready for the next chapter.
FAQs
When does New Game Plus release in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
July 29, 2025. You must complete the story campaign to unlock it.
Do I lose my gear or character level in New Game Plus?
No. Character level, gear, knowledge rank, and hideout upgrades are preserved. Only story, objectives, and map discovery reset.
Is the Claws of Awaji DLC free?
Yes, for pre-order customers. Others must purchase it separately once it launches on September 16.
Can I play as a different main character in NG+?
Yes, you can switch from your original character to either Naoe or Yasuke for a new perspective.
What’s in the September QoL patch?
Fast-forward time of day, map unfogging via viewpoints, HUD customizations, and other fan-requested features.
