The announcement of The Game Awards 2025 nominees has already ignited heated debates across the gaming community — and one voice in particular is fanning the flames. Shortly after Geoff Keighley revealed this year’s full list of categories and contenders, popular streamer Shroud, known for his long-standing support of ARC Raiders, launched into a sharp critique of the ceremony, calling the show “biased” and “predictable.” While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the nomination slate — a result widely anticipated following its critical success throughout the year — ARC Raiders’ absence from the Game of the Year shortlist became a flashpoint for frustration among a small but vocal subset of fans. For Shroud, it was the last straw. During a livestream that quickly spread across social media, Shroud didn’t hold back. He questioned the legitimacy of the selection process and singled out several nominees, including Death Stranding 2 and Donkey Kong Bananza, suggesting that industry politics may have influenced their placement.
He jokingly referenced Keighley’s long-standing friendship with Hideo Kojima, quipping, “Some games don’t need votes — they just need the right dinner reservations,” and went on to imply that “big publishers always know how to get a seat at Keighley’s table.” His irritation grew when he realized ARC Raiders earned just a single nomination — Best Multiplayer — despite the game’s explosive rise in popularity and nearly half a million concurrent players on Steam.
“The world isn’t ready for AI-driven design in shooters,” Shroud said, shaking his head. “If something doesn’t fit the industry’s comfort zone, it gets sidelined — simple as that.”
He later added that 2025 felt like “another scripted year” for the awards, predicting that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would “walk away with a dozen trophies without breaking a sweat.” Despite the criticism, he promised he would still play the winner of the Game of the Year category during a livestream, “even if the whole show feels like a theatrical play at this point.”
But Shroud’s passionate defense of ARC Raiders has raised eyebrows among players. Many fans acknowledge the shooter’s strong execution and engaging extraction mechanics, yet some argue the game is far from flawless — and certainly not a guaranteed GOTY contender. The debate escalated when an online theory resurfaced suggesting Shroud might have purchased shares in Embark Studios years ago or even contributed private funds to the project. While there is no evidence to support this, the speculation reflects a broader skepticism about why the streamer champions the game so intensely. The Game Awards has faced accusations of favoritism before, from its long-running ties with major publishers to its heavy commercial presence. Last year, Keighley’s attempts to balance advertising with award segments were met with mixed reviews, and the discontinuation of initiatives like the Future Class program has only intensified criticism.
This year’s nomination lineup seems poised to continue that trend. While many celebrated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for its achievements, others echoed Shroud’s sentiment that the awards prioritize spectacle over substance. Still, the show remains the most-watched event in gaming, and its influence over trends, perception, and industry momentum is undeniable.
With The Game Awards 2025 set for December 11, discussions surrounding the ceremony are likely to remain just as fiery as the livestreams and reaction videos dominating social media. Whether ARC Raiders’ omission truly reflects bias or simply reflects competition in an exceptionally strong year is up for debate. But one thing is certain: with streamers, fans, and developers all weighing in, this year’s awards may be remembered as much for the drama as for the honors themselves.
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