Tonight marked a significant event in the gaming world as The Game Awards concluded another incredible year for video game enthusiasts. This annual event not only celebrates the most impactful releases of the year but also offers a glimpse into future gaming experiences that promise to captivate players worldwide. The evening was indeed a memorable one for all attendees and viewers.
A major highlight of the night was the much-anticipated world premiere from Blizzard Entertainment, unveiling the latest expansion in the renowned action RPG series, Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. This new expansion is the culmination of a narrative journey that began when the character Lilith first entered the fictional world of Sanctuary. Players are set to face off against Mephisto, the Prime Evil, in a vast new campaign located in the ancient region of Skovos. The expansion promises a host of exciting features, including two new character classes, one of which is the formidable Paladin. Additionally, there will be significant reworks to the skill tree system, an increased level cap, and a revamped endgame that emphasizes player choice, mastery of skills, and high-stakes rewards. Fans and new players alike can mark their calendars for April 28, 2026, when Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred becomes available on platforms such as Battle.net, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as the event also gave us our first glimpse of Control Resonant, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed game Control. Fans of psychological thrillers and complex narratives will be eager to explore the next chapter in this gripping series. In addition, Frictional Games, the creators behind renowned titles like Amnesia and Soma, announced their latest project, Ontos. This new game is expected to build upon the atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay that the studio is known for.
Furthermore, fans of the Tomb Raider franchise were delighted to learn about not one, but two new games in development: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst. These announcements are sure to reignite excitement around the iconic series, promising new adventures for the beloved character Lara Croft.
The night was also a triumph for Sandfall Interactive, whose standout title Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received several nominations and wins. Available to play now with Game Pass Ultimate, this game has captured the attention of gamers and critics alike, ever since its world reveal at the 2024 Xbox Game Showcase. Its success as the biggest new third-party Game Pass title of the year is a testament to the hard work and creativity of the development team.
For those eager to dive deeper into the announcements made during the event, Xbox Wire provides comprehensive previews and insights into titles such as Control Resonant, No Law, Lords of the Fallen 2, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis & Catalyst, Ontos, and the new expansion for Expedition 33. These previews offer a closer look at the upcoming games and what players can expect when they are released.
Before The Game Awards officially began, there was an exciting release of a special edition of The Official Xbox Podcast. This episode included interviews with many of the night’s nominees and revealed that a new Developer_Direct is scheduled for January, featuring insights from Playground Games. Additionally, Compulsion Games shared exciting news that their multi-nominated and award-winning game, South of Midnight, will become available to more players in Spring 2026, with its release on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
### All Xbox Winners and Nominees
The Game Awards 2025 saw multiple nominations for Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks across several categories. Titles like Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, and The Outer Worlds 2 were all recognized for their excellence. Notably, DOOM: The Dark Ages won the award for Innovation in Accessibility, while South of Midnight was honored in the Games for Impact category. Additionally, third-party partners achieved multiple nominations and victories, with standout titles including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and ARC Raiders.
On behalf of the creative teams at Xbox, Bethesda Softworks, Activision, and Blizzard, we extend heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees this year. Their dedication to creating exceptional gaming experiences is truly commendable.
### First-Party Winners & Nominees
The Game Awards 2025 showcased the incredible talent and creativity within the gaming industry. The recognition of both first-party and third-party titles highlights the diverse range of experiences available to players. As we look forward to the upcoming releases announced during the event, the future of gaming appears bright and filled with promise. For those interested in learning more about the games and announcements from The Game Awards, additional information can be found on Xbox Wire or by watching the full episode of The Official Xbox Podcast. As we celebrate the achievements of this year, we eagerly anticipate the innovations and adventures that the gaming industry will continue to bring to life.
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