Summary
Ghost of YoteiandDeath Stranding 2: On the Beachare without a doubt two of the most anticipated games of 2025, and despite the fact that the year has already seen some worthy Game Awards contenders, they are nonetheless poised to be considered for multiple categories as well. In fact,Ghost of YoteiandDeath Stranding 2may see some overlap at2025’s Game Awardsthat their predecessors didn’t experience on account of launching a year apart.
It’s impossible to know how wellDeath Stranding 2andGhost of Yoteiwill be received once they launch — the former near the end of June and the latter in the fall. If what they’ve revealed about themselves so far is any indication, though, they are both primed and ready to offer memorable experiences that could inevitably pit them against one another in this year’s Game Awards, particularly in the areas of Best Action/Adventure, Best Art Direction, Best Performance, and Game of the Year.
Ghost of Yotei and Death Stranding 2 May Collide at The Game Awards
Action-Packed Prestige Could Pit Them Against Each Other
More than likely, barringdisastrous launches, bothDeath Stranding 2andGhost of Yoteiare going to at least be nominated for Best Action and/or Best Action/Adventure at the 2025 Game Awards. Each sequel’s predecessor was nominated for Best Action/Adventure at the Game Awards for the respective years, so it seems likely that they will be nominated as well. Currently, games likeAssassin’s Creed ShadowsandSouth of Midnightcould be considered for the category as well, making good competition forGhost of YoteiandDeath Stranding 2. However, since neither game has been released yet, it’s still too soon to tell.
A Battle for Game of the Year Could Be Brewing
Ghost of YoteiandDeath Stranding 2are twohighly anticipated titles, and while that doesn’t automatically make them Game of the Year contenders, it does suggest something about what they aim to offer in the industry.Death Stranding 2, in particular, is arriving in a climate where its predecessor has already broken the unorthodox gameplay ice, which means it could receive an even better reception than the first game.
More than likely, barring disastrous launches, bothDeath Stranding 2andGhost of Yoteiare going to at least be nominated for Best Action and/or Best Action/Adventure at the 2025 Game Awards.
Additionally, ifGhost of Yoteitakes its open worldto higher heights than the first game, and it manages to correct some of the issues fans had withTsushima, it could be nominated for Game of the Year. The main competition these two titles will have, however, isClair Obscur: Expedition 33, which is already expected to walk away with 2025’s Game of the Year award.
Expect Overlap in Art Direction, Score, and Performance
At the very least, fans can expect some overlap in the Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best Performance categories withGhost of YoteiandDeath Stranding 2. In 2020,Ghost of TsushimawonBest Art Directionand was nominated for Best Performance, andDeath Strandingwent home with Best Performance and Best Music and Score, and was nominated for Best Art Direction in the year prior. As such, it’s entirely possible the same could happen forDeath Stranding 2andGhost of Yoteiat this year’s Game Awards.
Ghost of Yotei’s music and score already sounds like it will be more elaborate thanTsushima’s often minimalistic nature, which could give it an edge in the contest for Best Score and Music.
With both games building on award-winning legacies and creative visions,Ghost of YoteiandDeath Stranding 2seem destined to cross paths at the 2025 Game Awards. Whether through performances, art direction, or innovation, each one has a real shot at walking away with something. The only question now is which of them will leave the stronger impression, and whether the world is big enough for both of them.
