Astro Bot, the beloved platformer from Team Asobi, took center stage at the 14th Annual New York Game Awards 2025, adding another Game of the Year (GOTY) award to its long list of accolades. With this win, Astro Bot has now surpassed an astonishing 110 GOTY globally, cementing its legacy as one of the most acclaimed titles of 2024.
Beyond clinching the top honor, Astro Bot secured two additional awards: Best Kids Game and Best Music in a Game. These victories highlight the game’s universal appeal, blending heartwarming gameplay with a mesmerizing soundtrack.
Astro Bot has been a major success for Sony, selling over 1.5 million copies in less than two months since its debut. At Metacritic, it boasts a strong critic score of 94 and a user score of 9.3, with both particularly praising its appeal to PlayStation enthusiasts. Former President of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aimé, lauded the game at an event, stating, “I have to admit, Astro Bot almost outdid Nintendo at its own game.” Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai also expressed a similar sentiment last year for the game’s short and satisfying gameplay.
Zenless Zone Zero Best Among Mobile Titles
HoYoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero also had a remarkable showing at the awards, winning Best Mobile Game.
Over its lifetime, the game has generated more than $250 million in mobile revenue, making it one of HoYoverse’s most lucrative titles. The game’s success lies in its innovative gacha model, delivering new characters, storylines, and features in sudden bursts that keep players engaged.
Silent Hill 2 Remake Got Recognition It Deserves
Konami’s Silent Hill 2 remake took home the award for Best Remake, and for good reason. Released in October 2024, the game became the fastest-selling title in the franchise, selling one million copies in just three days. For comparison, the original Silent Hill 2 from 2001 took two months to hit the same milestone.
Remarkably, this remake alone accounts for 10% of all Silent Hill franchise sales, signaling a bright future for Konami’s horror series.
Mouthwashing: A Hidden Gem That Captivated Players
In the indie scene, Mouthwashing emerged as a standout, earning the award for Best Hidden Gem. Developed by Wrong Organ and published by CRITICAL REFLEX, the game has sold over 300,000 copies since its release in September 2024.
This first-person psychological horror game transports players to the haunted corridors of the freighter spaceship Tulpar, unraveling a mysterious crash through nonlinear storytelling. Its PSX-inspired visuals, eerie soundtrack, and innovative puzzle mechanics have resonated deeply with fans, proving that indie developers can create unforgettable gaming experiences.
UFO 50 Triumphs as Best Indie Game
UFO 50, a collection of 50 unique games by Mossmouth, claimed the Best Indie Game award, beating out heavyweights like Balatro, which dominated the same category [TGA, Steam Awards, 1st Indie Game Awards] in 2024. Released in September 2024, UFO 50 has been praised for its variety and creativity.
Each of the 50 games offers a distinct experience, with half featuring multiplayer modes for added fun. Critics have celebrated its quality and experimentation, making it the highest-rated PC-exclusive of 2024 on Metacritic. Though unofficial, VGInsights reports suggest the game has sold over 165k copies, generating more than $3 million in revenue, further solidifying its place as an indie gem.
Full List of Winners at the New York Game Awards 2025
- Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year: Astro Bot
- Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game: UFO 50
- Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game: Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Statue of Liberty Award for Best World: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game: Astro Bot
- Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game: Troy Baker as Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle)
- Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game: Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game: Astro Bot
- A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game: Zenless Zone Zero
- Freedom Tower Award for Best Remake: Silent Hill 2
- Chumley’s Speakeasy Award for Best Hidden Gem: Mouthwashing
- NYC GWB Award for Best DLC: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Knickerbocker Award for Best Games Journalism: Simone De Rochefort & Clayton Ashley (The Great Game: The Making of Spycraft)
- Andrew Yoon Legend Award: Sam Lake
Congratulations to all the winners!
You can watch the full ceremony on the official New York Game Awards YouTube channel.
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