The Game Awards 2025 sparked mixed reactions, surprise wins, and growing questions about the future of the gaming industry.

In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, the crew breaks down what worked, what fell flat, and why the show felt strangely hollow this year. We discuss Clair Obscur’s Game of the Year sweep, the ongoing frustration with CGI trailers and live-service fatigue, and whether gamers are officially in “backlog season.”

The conversation also touches on Resident Evil 9, Sega’s absence from the show, Nintendo’s Amiibo-locked DLC, Xbox’s continued struggles, and the growing role of AI in game development.

Plus, a major moment for the show as Tim announces his departure from the physical podcast after more than 70 episodes.