The Grand Theft Auto 6 Conundrum: A Year of Uncertainty in Game of the Year Race

In the rapidly evolving world of video games, the competition for Game of the Year (GOTY) is always fierce. For 2025, it appears that one game stands out as the ultimate contender—Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). Scheduled for release in late 2025, this highly anticipated title from Rockstar Games is poised to dominate the gaming landscape. However, the developer's history with delays casts a shadow over its assured victory. Despite the buzz and anticipation, several other titles are also vying for attention, each bringing its own strengths to the table. The outcome of the GOTY race remains uncertain, but GTA 6's timely completion will be crucial.

Rockstar's Dominance and the Perils of Delay

Rockstar Games has consistently delivered blockbuster hits, setting high expectations for GTA 6. After a 12-year gap since its predecessor, fans and critics alike assume the game will be a masterpiece. However, Rockstar's notorious history of pushing back release dates looms large. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, insists the game will launch in fall 2025, but past delays suggest otherwise. GTA 5 faced a similar fate, moving from spring to September 2013, while Red Dead Redemption 2 was delayed multiple times before finally launching in October 2018. If GTA 6 slips into 2026, the GOTY race opens up significantly, allowing other contenders to shine.

Delays have historically impacted Rockstar's chances at winning major awards. In 2018, despite Red Dead Redemption 2 receiving a higher Metacritic score than God of War, it lost out on GOTY at both The Game Awards and many media outlets. Similarly, GTA 5 won GOTY at the VGX awards but fell short at BAFTA, DICE, and Game Developers Choice. Even going back to 2004, only GTA: San Andreas achieved widespread recognition. This pattern suggests that even if GTA 6 is completed on time, it may face stiff competition from games with more focused visions or different appeal factors. The industry's tendency to favor smaller, more concentrated experiences over vast open worlds could challenge GTA 6's dominance.

Potential Contenders in the 2025 GOTY Race

Beyond GTA 6, several other games are expected to make waves in 2025. Titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond present varied challenges. Each brings unique elements that could sway voter preferences. Indiana Jones, despite releasing in December 2024, qualifies for the 2025 awards and enjoys strong fan support. Death Stranding 2, backed by Sony and Hideo Kojima's reputation, aims to build on its predecessor's legacy. Ghost of Yōtei, another Sony-backed sequel, offers an expansive open-world experience, though direct comparisons to GTA 6 might not favor it. Metroid Prime 4, long-awaited by fans, could benefit from a cross-gen launch, but its classic formula may feel dated.

Other notable mentions include potential new Mario titles, Civilization 7, and unannounced projects like the reboot of a beloved fantasy series from Playground Games. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Borderlands 4, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Hades 2 also cannot be overlooked. While these games each have their strengths, they often come with inherent weaknesses. Nintendo's family-friendly titles typically do not compete for GOTY, and strategy games like Civilization 7 rarely receive top honors. Ultimately, the biggest unknown remains whether any of these contenders can match GTA 6's scale and cultural impact. As it stands, Rockstar's ability to meet its deadline remains the most significant factor in determining the winner of the 2025 GOTY race.