The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 are almost here, and the gaming world’s favourite tall vampire is taking centre stage. Maggie Robertson, best known as Lady Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village, will host this year’s ceremony when it returns on November 20 for its 43rd outing.
Robertson’s no stranger to the Joysticks. She won Performance of the Year back in 2021 for her unforgettable role as Lady D, and this time she’ll be the one handing out trophies instead of taking them home. “As the proud owner of one of these prestigious awards, I know how much they mean to the performers and developers who earn them,” she said ahead of the event.
Familiar Faces and Fierce Competition
Robertson won’t be alone on stage. Guest presenters include The Witcher’s Doug Cockle (voice of Geralt), Ciara Berkeley (Ciri in The Witcher 4), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Ben Starr, and Alix Wilton Regan from Cyberpunk 2077.
It’s shaping up to be a competitive year, too. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the nominations, just ahead of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yotei, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
Voting Open for Ultimate Game of the Year
While most categories have been open for weeks – with a record-breaking 21 million votes cast – the most anticipated award, Ultimate Game of the Year (UGOTY), has just gone live. Fans can vote now until Friday, November 7 (midnight GMT) for their favourite.
This year’s contenders include:
- Blue Prince
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Ghost of Yotei
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- PEAK
- SILENT HILL f
- Split Fiction
Head over to the Golden Joystick Awards website to cast your vote and decide who takes home the biggest fan-voted prize of the year.
When and Where to Watch
Winners across all categories – including the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year – will be revealed at a live ceremony in London on November 20. If you’re not there in person, you can catch it all via YouTube, Twitch, Steam, Facebook, or X, as well as GamesRadar, PC Gamer, and the Future Games Show.
With Maggie Robertson hosting and a packed field of nominees, the Golden Joysticks are shaping up to be a highlight of the gaming calendar – a night celebrating the best stories, performances, and players that keep us all pressing “continue.”
