The annual Golden Joystick Awards is always one of the biggest events on the gaming calendar, and the 43rd edition on Thursday, November 20, promises to be no different. Hosted by voice actor Maggie Robertson (of Resident Evil Village and Baldur’s Gate 3 fame), the 2025 edition has a ton of awards up for grabs across 22 categories.
Those prizes will be presented by special guests and previous winners from across the gaming world, including actors like Doug Cockle (The Witcher series), Adriyan Rae (South of Midnight) and Ben Starr (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). Plus developers from Coffee Stain Studios, IO Interactive and Ghost Ship Games.
There are 22 Golden Joystick awards voted on by fans including Ultimate Game of the Year, Studio of the Year, and a new category in the Best Remake/Remaster of the Year. A select few categories are awarded by a panel of season game critics and content creators.
The Golden Joystick Awards aren’t just about the past year but also about what’s coming next. Expect to see exclusive trailers for upcoming games, and we’re sure to have surprise announcements and special guests.
How to watch the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 live
Watch On
This year’s Golden Joystick Awards will take place on Thursday, November 20, starting at 8 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. EST / 4 p.m. GMT / 5 p.m. CEST.
Our friends at GamesRadar have options for you to view the event. You can watch the live stream on the GamesRadar YouTube channel and on the Golden Joystick Awards’ dedicated Twitch stream.
If those don’t work, you can also stream the show at all of these places: Steam, Facebook, TikTok and X as well as Future Games Show, PC Gamer, WhatCulture Gaming, Ginx TV, Bilibili and Niconico.
For those who want to get more involved, be sure to follow the #GoldenJoystickAwards across Instagram, X and Facebook.
The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 categories
The award show has 22 categories covering some of the most important areas and elements of 2025 games that you — the public — voted on. This year, indie darling Clair Obscur leads with six nominations. Will it sweep its categories?
- Best Storytelling
- Best Multiplayer Game
- Best Visual Design
- Best Indie Game
- Best Indie Game – Self Published
- Still Playing Award – PC and Console
- Still Playing Award – Mobile
- Best Remake / Remaster
- Studio of the Year
- Best Game Expansion
- Best Audio Design
- Best Soundtrack
- Best Lead Performer
- Best Supporting Performer
- PC Game of the Year
- Console Game of the Year
- Best Early Access Game
- Best Gaming Hardware
- Best Game Adaptation
- Best Game Trailer
- Most Wanted Game
- Ultimate Game of the Year
Plus, four more that are chosen by an expert panel:
- Streamer’s Choice Award
- Breakthrough Award
- Hall of Fame
- Critics’ Choice
Make sure to tune into the GamesRadar YouTube channel or the Golden Joystick Awards on Twitch to follow along and see who brings home a Golden Joystick this year.
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