The Game Awards 2025: How to Watch, Start Times, and What to Expect
The Game Awards are scheduled to begin today, December 11, at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET, and you can expect a lineup of surprising announcements and premieres—some of which we may not have predicted. With nominations and snubs now revealed, here’s where to stream Geoff Keighley’s annual event and all the key details you need.
When does The Game Awards start?
As noted, The Game Awards kicks off at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, December 11, followed by a 30-minute pre-show. The pre-show typically features early reveals, smaller awards, and trailers. Here’s a region-by-region start-time breakdown:
- 4:30 PM PT
- 6:30 PM CT
- 7:30 PM ET
- 9:30 PM BST
- 12:30 AM GMT
- 5:00 AM IST
- 8:30 AM CST
Where to watch The Game Awards?
You’ll be able to watch through multiple channels. A dedicated stream will be available here, and you can also tune in on standard platforms: Facebook Live, TikTok Live, Twitch, YouTube, and X. In addition, broadcasts will run on IGN, Instagram Live, Kick, and Prime Video, and co-streams from authorized content creators are possible depending on Keighley’s approvals.
For international audiences, a wide array of platforms is available depending on the region, including China’s Bilibili and Douyin, Southeast Asia’s Bigo Live and Likee, among others. The official “How to Watch” page on The Game Awards site lists the full global lineup.
How long will The Game Awards run?
The event typically lasts at least three hours, combining a 30-minute pre-show with a two-and-a-half-hour main show. In certain years, the ceremony has stretched close to four hours. Examples include 2018, 2021, and 2024. So plan accordingly—have snacks ready and settle in for a long night of announcements and trailers.
What to expect from The Game Awards
There are several predictions circulating about what might appear at this year’s show. If Valve enters the hardware/console space with the Steam Machine, some speculate a reveal of Half-Life 3 could surface. Trailers are expected for Blade and Wolverine, and fans are hoping for a first look at Silent Hill: Townfall, plus a new release window for State of Decay 3. Remember, these are speculative—things could go in many directions.
Beyond predictions, there are concrete expectations as well. The lineup includes:
- A performance of “Afterlife” by Evanescence tied to the Netflix adaptation of Devil May Cry.
- Deeper reveals within Exodus’ sci‑fi fantasy world.
- A new playable character in Invincible VS.
- An official release date for Phantom Blade Zero.
- A fresh look at Resident Evil Requiem.
There are also intriguing notes about a mysterious demonic statue teaser Keighley teased earlier; it’s not linked to Diablo 4, The Elder Scrolls 6, God of War, or Lords of the Fallen 2, according to resistible hints. There was even chatter about a Tomb Raider announcement planned for the show, following related leaks.
Additionally, talk has circulated about who might portray the villain in 007 First Light, adding to the pre-show buzz.
What was nominated and snubbed?
If you’ve followed this year’s releases, you’ll likely recognize many nominees. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a standout with numerous nominations, though others like Absolum, Dispatch, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Ghost of Yotei, Hades 2, Helldivers 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Silent Hill f, Split Fiction, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance are also strong contenders. For a complete list, review GameSpot’s nominee coverage. There are many more entries beyond those examples.
Snubs have generated their own chatter. Some acclaimed titles such as Deltarune and Keeper received zero nominations, while others—Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight—were categorized in ways some argue aren’t the best fit. Our editors weigh in on what deserved recognition where, and you can explore their takes in our coverage.
If you’ve got a tip or want to reach the editors directly, you can email news@gamespot.com.
