Tokyo Otaku Mode was invited to attend The Japan Game Awards 2025 on September 23, 2025, at the Iino Hall in Tokyo. The annual ceremony presents awards in a range of categories for various impacts in the video game industry. This year’s highlight awards were the Grand Award, the Breakthrough Award, and the Game Designers Award.
Only games released in Japan between April 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 were eligible. The list of 3,021 games was then narrowed down through public voting and judging by the Japan Game Awards Selection Committee from June 9, 2025 to July 18, 2025.
Grand Prize Winner in the Annual Works Category: “Metaphor: ReFantazio”
A completely new fantasy RPG set in a “fantasy world,” depicting a struggle for the throne that begins with the assassination of the king. It features an epic story and fantastical worldview, a groundbreaking battle system that balances action and tactics, beautiful background music and a user interface reminiscent of Western paintings, and an overwhelming amount of content.
Furthermore, diverse races appear, each with distinct appearances, abilities, and motives. Some even exhibit behavior that makes you want to look away. The grand drama woven by its numerous unique characters garnered enthusiastic support from many users, leading to this Grand Prize win.
Breakthrough Award: “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” Reason for Award
The game's unique battle system, dubbed “Reactive Turn-Based RPG,” blends turn-based RPG mechanics with real-time actions like parrying and free aiming. This innovative approach captivated many users, earning the game recognition from the selection committee.
Game Designers Award: “INDIKA”
Typically, the Game Designers Award primarily recognizes innovative game systems. However, the game system of this title, ʻIndikaʼ, can be described as a common third-person perspective action game. Yet, its thematic exploration of inner landscapes, anti-establishment religious views, virtue, and other elements within its story, world-building, and atmosphere creation offers an experience unmatched by other works. Works that prominently feature religious perspectives are rare to begin with.
While the votes were split during judging, this title ultimately received the most support and was selected. As an aside, the studio leader reportedly spent their teenage years in a monastery, ultimately abandoning their faith. The development studio apparently relocated from Russia to Kazakhstan following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
While the game's production background isn't directly tied to the work itself, considering these circumstances when engaging with the game adds depth. Publisher 11 Bit Studios has stated that a portion of the game's profits will be donated.
The award this year was presented by the Chair of the Game Designers Award Jury, Masahiro Sakurai (Representative Director, Sora Ltd.). Toby Fox, Yoko Taro, Hideki Kamiya, among others, were also on the panel of judges.
Full List of Award Winners
Grand AwardMetaphor: ReFantazio
Award for Excellence (11 Titles)・Metaphor: ReFantazio・Urban Myth Dissolution Center・Romancing SaGa 2: REVENGE OF THE SEVEN ・DRAGON QUEST III: HD-2D Remake・DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS・TokyoＸtremeRacer・Like a Dragon: Pirates Yakuza in Hawaii・Monster Hunter Wilds・The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy -・Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time・ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN
Breakthrough AwardClair Obscur: Expedition 33
Movement AwardPokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Special AwardPlayStation®Store
Game Designers AwardINDIKA
Be sure to check the winner of the Japan Game Awards 2025 Future Category on the last day of Tokyo Game Show. Voting will take place online from Thursday, September 25 at 10:00 AM to Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 PM. Eligible games include unreleased titles announced or exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2025 or within official exhibitor programs, including video exhibits and hardware.
Tokyo Otaku Mode will be at Tokyo Game Show 2025 reporting on the Future Category winner, as well as providing you with coverage of the entire 4-day show! Don’t forget to visit our special TGS page for tons of show floor videos featuring booths, cosplay, and more. See you at TGS 2025!