Aura Kasih
In a resounding affirmation of player preference and critical acclaim, Hollow Knight: Silksong has been crowned the ultimate victor in Valve’s prestigious 2025 Steam Awards, clinching the coveted Game of the Year title. This momentous win, coupled with its recognition in the "Best Game You Suck At" category, solidifies the game’s monumental impact on the digital landscape and its profound connection with the gaming community, a sentiment that has been palpable since its highly anticipated launch.
The anticipation surrounding Hollow Knight: Silksong was nothing short of seismic. Its release in September of 2025, a date etched into the calendars of countless enthusiasts, proved to be an event of such magnitude that it threatened to overwhelm digital distribution channels. The sheer volume of traffic and the fervent desire to experience Team Cherry’s latest masterpiece pushed the Steam platform to its limits, a testament to the developer’s ability to cultivate an unparalleled level of excitement and expectation. Consequently, Silksong‘s coronation as Game of the Year was not merely a possibility; it was an inevitability, a logical conclusion to a year of near-universal adulation.
The Steam Awards, an annual recognition voted on by the global PC gaming community, serve as a crucial barometer of what resonates most with players. Valve, the proprietor of the Steam platform, orchestrates this event, allowing millions of users to cast their votes across a diverse range of categories designed to celebrate various facets of the gaming experience. The selection process, which typically involves a period of nominations followed by a public voting phase, ensures that the ultimate winners reflect genuine player sentiment rather than solely industry endorsements. This year, the overwhelming support for Silksong underscores its position as a defining title of its generation.
Silksong‘s triumph is not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of a narrative that began with its predecessor, Hollow Knight. The original game, released in 2017, garnered widespread critical praise for its intricate world design, challenging yet rewarding combat, and melancholic atmosphere. It established a dedicated fanbase that eagerly awaited any news of a follow-up. Silksong, serving as a companion piece rather than a direct sequel, shifts the focus to Hornet, a beloved character from the first game, and introduces a new kingdom, Pharloom, brimming with its own unique lore and inhabitants. This narrative expansion, coupled with refined gameplay mechanics and an expanded scope, amplified the anticipation to unprecedented levels.
The "Best Game You Suck At" award, while framed humorously, speaks to the inherent challenge and mastery that Silksong offers. This category often recognizes titles that are difficult to overcome, demanding significant player skill, perseverance, and learning. For a game to be both lauded for its excellence and acknowledged for its demanding nature is a rare feat. It suggests that Silksong strikes a delicate balance, presenting a formidable challenge that, when overcome, yields immense satisfaction. This aspect of the game likely contributed significantly to its deep engagement with players, fostering a sense of accomplishment and mastery that is highly prized in the gaming community.
Beyond the headline Game of the Year award, other categories at the 2025 Steam Awards highlighted the diverse strengths of the gaming industry. Hades II, the early access sequel to the critically acclaimed roguelike, secured the "Best on Steam Deck" award. This recognition is particularly noteworthy, as it acknowledges the game’s suitability for portable play. The intuitive controls, fast-paced action, and visually striking art style of Hades II translate exceptionally well to the Steam Deck’s form factor, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go gaming. The developers of Hades II have demonstrated a consistent commitment to optimizing their titles for a wide range of hardware, a strategy that clearly resonates with players seeking versatile gaming experiences.
The "Outstanding Visual Style" award went to Silent Hill f, a new installment in the iconic survival horror franchise. While the visual artistry of Silent Hill f is undeniably impressive, the commentary suggests a potential oversight in the awarding of this category. The mention of Dream BBQ with its "uniquely hallucinatory visuals" points to a subjective element in the appreciation of artistic style. This highlights the inherent challenges in categorizing and awarding artistic merit, where personal interpretation and distinct aesthetic approaches can lead to differing opinions among voters. Nevertheless, Silent Hill f‘s win underscores the continued importance of striking visual design in capturing player attention and immersing them in compelling worlds.
The success of Hollow Knight: Silksong can be attributed to a confluence of factors. Team Cherry’s meticulous attention to detail, their commitment to crafting deep and interconnected worlds, and their ability to evoke a powerful emotional response through gameplay and narrative have all contributed to its widespread appeal. The game’s expansive world of Pharloom offers a wealth of exploration, secrets to uncover, and formidable bosses to conquer. The introduction of Hornet as the protagonist brings a new dynamic to the gameplay, with her agile movements and unique combat abilities offering a fresh take on the established Hollow Knight formula. Furthermore, the game’s soundtrack, composed by Christopher Larkin, complements the gameplay and atmosphere perfectly, adding another layer of polish and emotional resonance.
The implications of Silksong‘s win extend beyond mere accolades. It reinforces the viability of independent development and the power of well-crafted, passion-driven projects to capture the hearts and minds of a global audience. In an industry often dominated by AAA productions with massive budgets, Silksong‘s success serves as an inspiration to smaller studios, demonstrating that innovative design, engaging gameplay, and a compelling narrative can triumph. The game’s critical and commercial success will undoubtedly influence future development trends, encouraging a greater emphasis on thoughtful design and player-centric experiences.
Looking ahead, the enduring popularity of Hollow Knight: Silksong suggests a long and fruitful lifespan for the title. Its intricate design and wealth of content provide ample opportunity for continued player engagement, and the possibility of future updates or expansions from Team Cherry remains a tantalizing prospect for fans. The game’s impact on the metroidvania genre is also significant, setting a new benchmark for excellence and inspiring a new wave of developers to explore the possibilities within this beloved subgenre. The 2025 Steam Awards have not only celebrated the best of what gaming has to offer but have also provided a clear indication of the titles that will continue to shape the industry for years to come. Hollow Knight: Silksong‘s reign at the top is a testament to its exceptional quality and its profound connection with the gaming community, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
Ridwan Kamil
Safa Marwah