The Steam Awards 2025 is now live, allowing nominations for 11 PC game categories

As 2023 draws to a close, Valve has re-launched The Steam Awards, inviting PC gamers to weigh in on the games they believe deserve accolades. Traditionally, this nomination phase coincides with the Steam Autumn Sale. However, due to a shift in scheduling, we now have a distinct Black Friday sale taking place on Steam alongside the awards.

The nomination process will remain open until December 1 at 10 AM PT, allowing gamers ample time to cast their votes across various categories. Unlike many awards, where nominees are chosen by a jury, Valve’s approach solely depends on community input, creating an inclusive atmosphere around the event.

Participants can nominate any game they’ve engaged with from their library or browse titles on the store, provided they were released in the year 2023. One notable exception is the Labor of Love Award, which permits nominations for almost any title on the platform’s roster, barring select previous winners, including Warframe, GTA V, CS2, Terraria, Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Elden Ring.

Below are the categories up for nomination:

1. Game of the Year Award

This award goes to the game that captures players’ hearts—be it through immersive gameplay, a compelling narrative, unforgettable characters, or engaging multiplayer experiences.

2. VR Game of the Year Award

Recognizing a game that transcends traditional boundaries, the VR Game of the Year embraces the potential of virtual reality to create unique experiences that enhance immersion.

3. Labor of Love Award

This award acknowledges games that, despite being released in the past, continue to receive ongoing support and updates from passionate developers who keep their creations thriving.

4. Best Game on Steam Deck Award

Acknowledging a game that excels on portable platforms, this award is for the title that seamlessly translates its engaging experience to the Steam Deck, allowing players to enjoy it on the move.

5. Better With Friends Award

Some games shine brightest when enjoyed with others. This award celebrates those titles that enhance the multiplayer experience and become memorable when shared among friends.

6. Outstanding Visual Style Award

This award focuses on games that possess a unique artistic flair, prioritizing a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart rather than striving solely for photorealistic graphics.

7. Most Innovative Gameplay Award

Acknowledging trailblazing developers, this category honors games that offer groundbreaking mechanics, gameplay elements, and innovative designs that inspire and challenge players.

8. Best Game You Suck At Award

This award is reserved for the most challenging games that test your limits, rewarding perseverance and dedication even as they frustrate players.

9. Best Soundtrack Award

A recognition for the game that boasts an outstanding musical score, this award highlights those soundtracks that significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.

10. Outstanding Story-Rich Game Award

Some games excel due to powerful storytelling, offering narratives that captivate players’ emotions and evoke deep connections, comparable to high-quality television dramas.

11. Sit Back and Relax Award

This title serves as a refuge from daily stress, providing soothing gameplay that allows players to unwind and enjoy a peaceful gaming experience.

Valve will continue its tradition of offering Steam profile rewards in the form of badges to users who participate in the nominations and complete other tasks, such as writing reviews for nominated games.

After the nomination phase concludes, a final voting opportunity will take place during the Steam Winter Sale in December 2025, culminating in the announcement of category winners on January 3, 2026.

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