Forecasting the Winner of the Most Anticipated Game Award

While last year may have boasted a sprawling list of high-quality games, 2024 has quietly emerged as a surprisingly strong year for video game releases. Titles like Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, STALKER 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Balatro have already marked the year with significant releases. Yet, that’s only scratching the surface. Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to potentially be a landmark year for the gaming industry, a prediction underscored by the intriguing lineup of nominees for The Game Awards 2024’s Most Anticipated Game.

If every game currently scheduled for next year meets its release target, 2025 could indeed be monumental for gaming. Even with potential delays, we can expect a slew of releases to fill any gaps left behind. Take the five nominees for The Game Awards 2024’s Most Anticipated category as an example—these games alone could keep many gamers entertained throughout the entire year. Yet, despite all the excitement surrounding these entries, only one can ultimately take home the prestigious award.

The Game Awards 2024’s Most Anticipated Game Nominees include:

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Ghost of Yotei
• Grand Theft Auto VI
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Monster Hunter Wilds

Focusing on Death Stranding 2, Hideo Kojima continues to demonstrate his status as a gaming legend, consistently blending his passion for video games and cinema into unforgettable experiences. When the first Death Stranding launched in November 2019, it drew generally positive reactions from fans and critics, and its themes and strong directorial vision have maintained their impact over the past five years. The sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is anticipated for a 2025 release, promising to continue the original game’s engaging narrative while upping the ante on its signature eccentricity. This promises to be an adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

Turning to Ghost of Yotei, the original Ghost of Tsushima made a significant mark as one of the best action-adventure games in recent memory, thanks to its compelling combat, poignant storytelling, and remarkable art direction. Although it initially flew under the radar due to its proximity to The Last of Us Part 2’s release, its popularity has only grown. This well-deserved sequel, set in 2025, introduces players to Atsu, who adopts the "The Ghost" persona on Hokkaido’s Japanese island. Set 300 years after its predecessor, Ghost of Yotei promises new weapons and technological advancements, such as rifles, capturing the period’s evolving landscape.

As for Grand Theft Auto 6, it’s hard to overstate the anticipation surrounding this sequel. Over a decade has passed since Grand Theft Auto 5 debuted, sparking endless fan theories about the next installment. Without a single second of gameplay footage, the excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6 has reached unparalleled levels. Now, with its release on the horizon, the hype can only intensify. Fans have speculated on every possible aspect, from character twists to multiplayer elements, setting this game up to make a massive impact upon its arrival in 2025.

After numerous rumors, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally sees the light of a tentative 2025 release. Fans of Samus Aran’s adventures can look forward to this chapter on the current generation of Switch consoles, an exciting prospect given the whispers of a new Nintendo console on the way. This sequel promises to further cement Metroid’s legacy for an eager fan base long awaiting this release.

Among all the anticipated titles, Monster Hunter Wilds feels refreshingly tangible with a set release date of February 28, 2025. A direct sequel to 2018’s Monster Hunter: World, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a more known entity with multiple trailers already fueling excitement for its expansive open world. However, despite the excitement surrounding its vast world and gameplay, it lacks the air of mystery and intrigue that envelopes some of the other contenders.

In summary, while Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Monster Hunter Wilds all draw excitement, the undeniable frontrunner for The Game Awards 2024’s Most Anticipated Game is Grand Theft Auto 6. The immense appeal and notoriety surrounding this title cement its status as the gaming world’s most eagerly awaited release for 2025.