On Thursday, a lively mix of gamers and Hollywood celebrities gathered at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles for the Game Awards, showcasing the top video games in the industry.
This was the 11th edition of the ceremony, often dubbed the “Oscars of gaming.” However, it felt less formal than the Academy Awards. It was a night filled with energy, where both industry leaders and passionate fans traded in their gaming gear for dressier outfits, engaging in fun, geeky activities.
With the growing intersection of technology and films, highlighted by adaptations like “The Last of Us” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the Game Awards has become a magnet for Hollywood A-listers.
The notable cast of Paramount Pictures’ upcoming “Street Fighter,” one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, added excitement to the evening.
Stars Noah Centineo from “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” wrestler Cody Rhodes, comedian Andrew Schultz, and “Game of Thrones” actor Jason Momoa were met with loud cheers as they revealed their roles in the much-anticipated 2026 film.
Momoa, a lifelong fan of the franchise, humorously declared on stage that he’d made threats to the producers to secure his casting as Blanka, the wild green fighter.
Later, actress Gemma Chan, known for “Crazy Rich Asians,” introduced another celebrated actor joining her in the game “007: First Light.” Lenny Kravitz was announced as the villain Bauma in this eagerly awaited title.
Kravitz made a dramatic entrance wearing a vibrant yellow suit as his character. He described Bauma as “the chaotic, unpredictable king of Africa’s biggest black market,” adding depth to the villain’s persona.
David Harbor, known for “Stranger Things,” expressed his excitement while introducing his upcoming role in the “Total War” series, adapted from the famous “Warhammer” tabletop game. He shared his love for tabletop gaming, admitting to spending countless hours painting miniatures.
Then there was the indulgent moment featuring Miss Piggy, the iconic diva. The charming Muppet frequently interacted with the host, gaming awards creator Jeff Keighley, even playfully flirting with him—Kermit might want to watch out.
Ending the night, Miss Piggy and Rowlf performed a lively duet celebrating video games, including titles like “Fortnite” and “The Legend of Zelda.”
Among other celebrities in attendance were Jeffrey Wright from “Westworld,” Rahul Kohli from “We Lied to You,” filmmaker J.J. Abrams, actress Milla Jovovich, and the rock band Evanescence, who electrified the crowd with their rendition of “Afterlife” from Netflix’s “Devil May Cry.”
This year, the indie title “Claire Obscure: Expedition 33,” featuring Charlie Cox, led the nominations with a remarkable 13 nods. It ultimately dominated the event, taking home nine awards, including Game of the Year and Best Performance by Jennifer English.
Here’s a look at the major winners from the night:
Game of the Year:
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Donkey Kong Bananza
Hades II
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Best Game Direction:
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yotei
Hades II
Split Fiction
Best Adaptation:
Minecraft Movie
The Devil May Cry
The Last of Us: Season 2
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
Until Dawn
Best Narrative:
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yotei
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Silent Hill F
Best Art Direction:
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yotei
Hades II
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Best Scores and Music:
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Hades II
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Ghost of Yotei
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Best Audio Design:
Battlefield 6
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yotei
Silent Hill F
Best Performance:
Ben Starr (Expedition 33)
Charlie Cox (Expedition 33)
Erika Ishii (Ghost of Yotei)
Jennifer English (Expedition 33)
Konatsu Kato (Silent Hill F)
Troy Baker (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle)
Innovation in Accessibility:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Atom Fall
Doom: Dark Ages
EA Sports FC 26
South of Midnight
Impactful Game:
Please Consume Me
Desperoto
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
South of Midnight
Wonder Stop
Best Ongoing Game:
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Helldiver 2
Marvel Rivals
No Man’s Sky
Best Community Support:
Baldur’s Gate 3
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Helldiver 2
No Man’s Sky
Best Independent Game:
Absolum
Ball X Pit
Blue Prince
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Hades II
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Best Debut Indie Game:
Blue Prince
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Desperoto
Express Delivery
Best Mobile Games:
Destiny: Rising
Persona 5 The Phantom X
Sonic Rumble
Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Storm Waves
Best VR/AR Game:
Alien: Rogue Incursion
Archenage
Ghost Town
Marvel’s Deadpool VR
Midnight Walk
Best Action Games:
Battlefield 6
Doom: Dark Ages
Hades II
Ninja Gaiden 4
Shinbi: Art of Vengeance
Best Action/Adventure Game:
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yotei
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Split Fiction
Best RPG:
Admitted
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Outer World 2
Monster Hunter Wild
Best Fighting Games:
2XKO
Capcom Fighting Collection 2
Garou Legend Wolf City
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection
Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage
Best Family Games:
Donkey Kong Bananza
Lego Party!
Lego Voyager
Mario Kart World
Sonic Racing: Crossworld
Split Fiction
Best Sim/Strategy Game:
The Alters
Final Fantasy Tactics – Ivalician Chronicles
Jurassic World Evolution 3
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Tempest Rising
Two Point Museum
Best Sports/Race:
EA Sports FC 26
F1 25
Mario Kart World
Rematch
Sonic Racing: Crossworld
Best Multiplayer Award:
Arc Raiders
Battlefield 6
Elden Ring Night Train
Peak
Split Fiction
Most Anticipated Games:
007 First Light
Grand Theft Auto VI
Marvel Wolverine
Resident Evil Requiem
The Witcher IV
Content Creator of the Year:
Quadrel
Kai Senat
Moist Cr1TiKaL
Miko Sakura
Burnt Peanuts
Best Esports Games:
Counter Strike 2
Dota 2
League of Legends
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Valorant
Best Esports Athlete:
Brauch
Chobi
f0rsakeN
Kakeru
Mena RD
Jiwao
Best Esports Team:
Gen.G – League of Legends
NRG – Valorant
Team Falcons – DOTA 2
Team Liquid PH – Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Team Vitality – Counter-Strike 2
Player’s Voice:
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33
Express Delivery
Genshin
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Storm Waves
