ISLAMABAD: "Hollow Knight: Silksong" claimed Game of the Year at the 2025 Steam Awards, sweeping two major categories in the annual community-driven awards by Valve Corp.

The long-awaited sequel from developer Team Cherry won both Game of the Year and Best Game You Suck At, which recognizes the most challenging titles. The game beat finalists "ARC Raiders," "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33," "Dispatch" and "Kingdom Come: Deliverance II" in the top category.

Millions of Steam users voted across 11 categories during the platform's winter sale, with voting open from Dec. 18 through Jan. 3. Any non-limited Steam account holder could participate and change votes until the deadline.

"ARC Raiders" took home Most Innovative Gameplay for what organizers described as creative experimentation and fresh design perspectives. "Baldur's Gate 3" won the Labor of Love award, recognizing continued developer support after a game's initial release. The category included "Helldivers II," "No Man's Sky," "Rust," and "Dota 2" as finalists.

Platform-specific categories saw "Hades II" win Best Game on Steam Deck and "The Midnight Walk" claim VR Game of the Year.

In other categories, "Silent Hill f" won Outstanding Visual Style for its distinctive aesthetic. "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" took Best Soundtrack, beating "DELTARUNE," "Rift of the NecroDancer," "Marvel's Spider-Man 2" and "Tokyo Xtreme Racer."

"Dispatch" won the Outstanding Story-Rich Game award. "Peak" claimed Better With Friends for multiplayer excellence. "RV There Yet?" won the Sit Back and Relax award.

Finalists were determined through earlier community nominations. Games could qualify for platform-specific awards, plus up to two additional categories.

Winners receive physical trophies shipped to development studios and virtual trophies displayed on their Steam store pages.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

'Hollow Knight: Silksong' sweeps Steam's biggest gaming awards in surprise community victory