Indie games don’t all fit into the same box anymore. Some are made by small teams taking big creative swings, while others come from well-funded studios operating outside the traditional AAA system. What ties them together isn’t budget, but identity—games built around a clear vision, willing to do things differently, and often unafraid to take risks.
That range was on full display in the Insider Gaming community’s Indie Game of the Year poll, which featured everything from long-awaited sequels to experimental standouts. And when the votes were counted, one title ultimately rose to the top as Hollow Knight: Silksong was voted as the 2025 Indie Game of the Year.
The long-awaited sequel finished first with 21.7% of the vote, just beating out Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s and Dispatch’s 18.9%. Other games in the running were Ball x Pit (8.5%), Peak (7.5%), Hades 2 (7.5%), Absolum (6.6%), Blue Prince (5.7%), and Schedule I (4.7%).
What makes Silksong’s win stand out is the anticipation for it seemingly paid off upon release, with the game receiving acclaim from players far and wide. But in the end, the results reflect what makes the indie scene so compelling. There’s no single formula for success, only games that connect with players in different ways. This year, the Insider Gaming community made it clear that Hollow Knight: Silksong stood just a bit taller than the rest.
What do you think of the Insider Gaming Community voting Hollow Knight: Silksong as 2025’s Indie Game of the Year? Was there a different game that you preferred? Leave your thoughts down below and join the talk in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more Insider Gaming Community Awards, check out what game the readers voted as the biggest surprise hit of 2025. And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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