Ghost of Yotei: The GOTY Journey of 2025
“Ghost of Yotei,” developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has become one of the most defining games of 2025. Released in early October for PlayStation 5, the game quickly built momentum among critics and players alike for its emotional storytelling, striking audio design, and stunning world-building inspired by Japanese history and mythology. As the year progressed, the game emerged as a major contender in the Game of the Year conversation—yet its path to recognition has been marked by both major wins and high-profile controversies.
One of the earliest and most significant achievements for Ghost of Yotei came at the Golden Joystick Awards. Here, the game enjoyed major success, taking home trophies including Console Game of the Year and Best Audio Design. These awards were especially meaningful because the Golden Joysticks are heavily influenced by public voting, reflecting the strong connection the title forged with the gaming community. Fans and journalists celebrated these wins as validation of the game’s craftsmanship, storytelling depth, and production quality.
However, the celebrations turned into debate shortly afterward when The Game Awards announced their 2025 nominations. Despite industry expectations, Ghost of Yotei was not shortlisted for the main Game of the Year category. The omission stunned many in the gaming world, who had seen the game as a leading frontrunner. But while it missed the top spot, it still secured eight other nominations, including Best Narrative, Best Game Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Audio Design, and Best Performance for Erika Ishii’s standout role as Atsu. In other words, The Game Awards recognized the game’s excellence across many individual elements, yet still stopped short of giving it a place among the final GOTY nominees.
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Some fans expressed frustration, feeling that Ghost of Yotei deserved a Game of the Year nomination on the strength of its emotional impact and overall quality. Others, however, offered a more nuanced view. Many pointed out that 2025 has been one of the most competitive years in gaming in recent memory, with major titles such as Hades II, Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Death Stranding 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II all pushing boundaries in different ways. In such a stacked year, some argued that Ghost of Yotei, while excellent, may not have felt as groundbreaking or genre-defining as its toughest competitors.
Part of the controversy also revolves around the idea of innovation. Some industry analysts suggest that while Ghost of Yotei is polished and emotionally resonant, it builds more on established gameplay and narrative traditions rather than introducing a radical new direction for the action-adventure genre. Others believe that being a PlayStation exclusive may have limited its exposure among award judges and outlets outside the Sony ecosystem.
Despite the debate, the game’s momentum has continued on other fronts. Its sales performance has been strong, placing among the top-selling titles of the year in major markets like the United States. Critics continue to praise its rich world-building, cinematic direction, and moving character arcs. Its sound design, in particular, has drawn wide acclaim for seamlessly blending environmental ambience, music, and emotional cues in a way that enhances storytelling and immersion.
Ultimately, Ghost of Yotei’s story in the awards season reflects a larger truth about the modern gaming landscape: Game of the Year is not just about technical excellence or popularity, but about how a title distinguishes itself in a year filled with standout experiences. Even without the GOTY nomination from The Game Awards, the eight nominations and multiple wins elsewhere demonstrate that the industry values its artistry and execution. And beyond trophies, the lasting influence of a game is shaped by how players remember and talk about it in the years that follow.
In that regard, Ghost of Yotei has already succeeded. It has built a passionate fan base, proven its commercial power, and carved out a meaningful identity in the PS5 generation. Whether or not it claims every major award, its legacy is already being written—one heartfelt playthrough at a time.
