The Game Awards 2025 are fast approaching (set for December 11), and it’s a big year for Xbox. Thanks to Xbox’s first-party studios and strong third-party partners, a half-dozen Xbox nominated games are already out  and you can play them right now. Whether you’re on Xbox console, Xbox PC, cloud, or using Xbox Game Pass, there are critically acclaimed titles from this year’s awardslineup ready for you.

Let’s walk through the top Xbox-nominated games, how to access them, what they’re nominated for, and whythis year’s Game Awards matter more than ever especially for Game Pass subscribers.

Why This Matters: Xbox’s Big Showing at The Game Awards

The Game Awards often called “the Oscars of gaming”  is one of the biggest nights in the industry. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the event highlights the year’s best in creativity, design, narrative, and innovation. For Xbox, having a strong roster at the Game Awards means spotlight, prestige, and vlidation of itsstudio strategy especially for Game Pass-first and first party titles.

According to Xbox Wire, Xbox’s first-party studios racked up nominations across multiple categories, with titles like Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, and The Outer Worlds 2 among thenominees. (Xbox Wire) On top of that, several third-party titles that are playable on Xbox are in the running, such as Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. (Xbox Wire)

Xbox-Nominated Games You Can Play Today

Here are the Xbox-nominated games from The Game Awards 2025  and how you can dive into them now via Game Pass or other Xbox platforms

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Why it’s nominated: It’s the most-nominated game in Game Awards 2025 history, with nods for Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Independent Game, and more.
  
• Where to play: Available on Xbox Game Pass (PC & console). Xbox Wire confirms it’s playable today. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Why play it: This bold, narrative-driven RPG blends deep storytelling with a distinctive visual style and coplex characters. It’s a must-play for Game of the Year contenders.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Why it’s nominated: It’s up for Game of the Year, Best Independent Game, Best Art Direction, Best Action/Adventure, and Bst Score & Music. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: On Xbox Game Pass (Ultimate, PC, console).
  
• Why play it: This Metroidvania sequel from Team Cherry offers lush hand-drawn environments, tight platforming,and a score that’s earned criical acclaim.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

• Why it’s nominated: It’s recognized for Best Action/Adventure and Innovation in Accessibility. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: Available on Game Pass. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Why play it: A brutal, fast-paced action game with accessibility features, bringing the classic DOOM feel to a new era.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

• Why it’s nominated: There’s a Best Action/Adventure Game nomination and a nod for Best Performance, thanks to Troy Baker’s portrayal of Indy. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: On Game Pass (PC & console). (Xbox Wire)
  
• Why play it: For fans of adventure, archaeology, and torytelling  this is cinematic action with the iconic Indy vibe.

Avowed

• Why it’s nominated: It’s up for Best RPG. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: On Xbox Game Pass (PC & console).
  
• Why play it: Developed by Obsidian, Avowed brings deep RPG mechanics, a large open world, and a richnarrative that’s suddenly under the awards spotlight.

The Outer Worlds 2

• Why it’s nominated: Also up for Best RPG. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: Game Pass (Xbox / PC).
  
• Why play it: A sequel to a fan-favorite RPG, it mixes dark humour, choice-driven storytelling, and morally complex decisions.

Ninja Gaiden 4

• Why it’s nominated: For Best Action/Adventure. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: On Game Pass. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Why play it: High-octane combat, classic ninja action, and tight game design make this a standout in the Action/Adventure category.

Blue Prince

• Why it’s nominated: In the indie category  Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game. (Xbox Wire)
  
• Where to play: Game Pass (Xbox / PC). (Xbox Wire)
  
• Why play it: A charming indie platformer with style, heart, and gameplay that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Big Game Awards 2025 Highlights: Key Nominees and Trends

Knowing the Xbox nominees is just one part of the story  here’s a broader look at the Game Awards 2025 landscape.

• Most-nominated game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the pack with 12 nominations, making it the most nominated game in Game Awards history. (Gematsu)
  
• GOTY Nominees: Other than Expedition 33, nominees include Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. (Gematsu)
  
• Publisher Influence: According to Gematsu, Sony Interactive Entertainment leads with 19 nods, while Kepler Interactive (publisher of Clair Obscur) has 13, and Microsoft (Xbox) has 10. (Gematsu)
  
• Community & Accessibility: Xbox’s DOOM: The Dark Ages is highlighted for innovation in accessibility, underscorin how mjor franchises are doing better with inclusive design. (Xbox Wire)

Why Xbox Players Should Jump In Now

1. Play Before the Awards
You don’t have to wait for December 11th to experience the games nominated. If you’re on Game Pass, you ca already play several high-profile nominees and know what you’re voting for.

2. Support Your Favorites
Voting for The Game Awards is open now  you can head to the official site and cast your ballot. Xbox Wire even reminds us that voting is live. (Xbox Wire) By playing the Xbox-nominated games now, you get to make an informed choice.

3. Discover Hidden Gems
While many people hype up the biggest names (like Clair Obscur), Xbox Game Pass offers easy access to both AAA and indie titles. Games like Blue Prince and Silksong might be new to some players  this is the perfect opportunity to dive in.

4. Value of Game Pass
This lineup is a strong example of why Xbox Game Pass Ultimate / PC is so valuable. You get major awards contenders without dropping full retail price. According to Windows Central, two of the six GOTY nominees are on Game Pass. (Windows Central)

A Closer Look at the Xbox Nominees Worth Your Attention

Let’s dive a bit deeper into a few Xbox-nominated games that are especially compelling.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

This is arguably the crown jewel of Xbox’s Game Awards nominations. It’s been praised for its intricately woven story, morally complex characters, nd bold art direction. With its 12 nominations, it’s not just a Game Pass title  it’s a statement.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

The sequel to one of the most beloved Metroidvanias swaps in a fresh protagonist and adds more depth. With nominations for Game of the Year and multiple creative categories, it’s got seriousmomentum. For legcy fans and newcomers alike, this is a major pick.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Beyond just nostalgia, this game stands out for its cinematic ambition. Troy Baker’s voice acting is earning praise, and the game’s combination of puzzle-solving, action, and story puts it in serious award contention.

Avowed

As a first-party RPG from Obsidian, Avowed is notable not just for its scale, but for how it fits into Xbox’s broader strategy: big worlds, deep choices, and premium strytelling. Its Best RPG nominationindicates it’s being taken seriously among peers.

What’s Next: How to Leverage This Before the Show

• Vote now: Head to TheGameAwards.com to register your picks. Voting closes before the December 11th live show. (Gematsu)
  
• Stream or tune in: The Game Awards 2025 will be broadcast live get ready for trailers, world premieres, and announcements.
  
• Invite friends: Challenge your gaming buddies to try the Xbox nominees you’re playing. Make it a pre-show game night.
  
• Follow reactions: After playing, watch for award predictions, livestream reactions, and analysis on how Xbox games might fare.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got an Xbox console, PC, or Game Pass, The Game Awards 2025 is more than just a show this year  it’s practically a celebration of games you can already play. From narrative powerhouses like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to platforming masterpieces like Hollow Knight: Silksong, and action-adventure epics like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Xbox’s nominated titles span multiple genres and styles.

Playing these now gives you a real understanding of what the nominations mean. Plus, it’s a smart way to decide how to vote  and maybe even discover a GOTY contender or two.So fire up your Xbox, jump into Game Pass, and prepare for The Game Awards. Whether you’rein itto vote, watch, or just play, 2025 is shapig up to be a huge year for Xbox gamers.