Congratulations to Consume Me, VGG's 2025 Game of the Year winner. Equal parts strategic, chaotic, funny, hopeful, and tear-jerking, its ingredients come together to make something well-balanced and soul-nourishing that we were grateful we got the chance to consume.

ILA: A Frosty Glide has the perfect atmosphere for the chilly season.

These 10 were bright spots in the world of games, and earned a place on VGG's 2025 Game of the Year nominee list.

"This is a style of animation that thrives on the human craft. It is something that is born from pure human sweat, and grit, and talent, and work. You can't fake it. You can't cut corners with it."

A bittersweet narrative softened by a gentle ASMR soundscape and quietly satisfying cleaning gameplay.

In Fallen Tear's boss rush-focused demo at PAX, the combat was quick and punchy, and our talk with Creative Director Stephen Manalastas gave insights into where Filipino roots show up in subtle ways in the narrative and gameplay.

Full-body tension and an experience that overwhelms the senses, in the best way.

Hard to say goodbye.

'It's not the kind of loneliness where nobody is around; it's the kind where there are still people but you can't shake the feeling — which in a way is more horrifying.'

As advertised: It did consume me.

If you enjoyed the challenge of late-game CRDM3, you'll thrive from beginning to end.

While Arctic Awakening sometimes left me feeling frosty, there's a definite spark that shines through.

A game for those with whimsy in their hearts — and anyone looking for a gateway to finding more of it.

"I fundamentally feel there is something really hopeful and positive about being able to confront the things that scare and repulse us."

Nearly 13 years after Guns of Icarus set the gold standard for multiplayer games for me and my friends, Stars of Icarus is here to remind us of our roots and bring that wealth of know-how to the multiplayer space with something brand new in 2026.

"I think Fractured Blooms is one of those games where you might think you know what it is by looking at it right now, but it's actually a lot more than that. You’re barely scratching the surface with even the demo that you played. I can't wait to show people what our true intent really is with the game."

Quite literally, they cooked with this one.

Herdling's story is one of survival, collaboration, and family. Okomotive balances your emotions beautifully, giving you tense moments of fear as you face the perilous natural obstacles on your journey to bring these creatures home — but then offering heart-soaring moments of joy in equal measure.

VGG got to spend four hours with this snappy action roguelite that explores ideas of sacrifice and collaboration.

One of the best games this year and an all-time point and click must-play.