The 43rd Golden Joystick Awards are officially here, and this year, the spotlight isn’t just on games, it’s on the incredible talent that brings them to life. Among the nominees, Adriyan Rae stands out as a powerhouse performer, earning a nod for Best Lead Performer for her role as Hazel in South of Midnight. Her nomination is more than recognition of her talent; it’s a celebration of how Black women are shaping the narratives and voices within gaming and interactive media.
Voting is live now until Friday, October 31, and players around the globe are weighing in on what games, performances, and creators have defined 2025. The Golden Joystick Awards, often called the “People’s Gaming Awards,” have become a hub where fans’ voices matter, and Adriyan Rae’s inclusion feels especially meaningful to the BGN community, which has long championed representation both on screen and in gaming spaces.
This year’s shortlist is packed with excitement. Leading the nominations is Kepler Interactive and Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, followed closely by Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Indie darlings like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Sword of the Sea, and PEAK also make strong showings, proving once again that 2025 has been a year where every kind of game can capture our attention.
Daniel Dawkins, Content Director of the Golden Joystick Awards, points to this diversity as a defining feature of the year:
“Blue Prince, PEAK, Sword of the Sea, despelote… these are just a few games that have illuminated 2025, yet may not have been on many players’ radars less than a year ago. As gaming evolves, so do our categories. The mission remains the same, to celebrate the very best in gaming and give players the chance to reward the hardware, people, and virtual worlds that command our affections.”
For the BGN community, Adriyan Rae’s nomination hits on multiple levels. Her presence represents the increasing visibility of Black women in gaming-adjacent spaces, from performance capture to storytelling. She is part of a larger cultural moment where Black creators, performers, and gamers are claiming the recognition they deserve. Her role in South of Midnight is emblematic of the kind of representation that inspires gamers, creators, and fans across the community. It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about seeing yourself represented in the stories.
This year’s awards cover 21 categories, from Best Storytelling and Best Multiplayer Game to Best Lead and Supporting Performers. Rae competes alongside other stellar talents, including Jennifer English (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33), Troy Baker (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle), and Erika Ishii (Ghost of Yōtei). Each nominee reflects the industry’s growth in diversity and creativity, with indie, AAA, and remastered titles all making waves.
The ceremony itself will be a global celebration, taking place in London on Thursday, November 20, and live-streamed for fans everywhere. While the “Ultimate Game of the Year” shortlist won’t be revealed until November 3, Rae’s nomination already signals that 2025 isn’t just about what games we play, it’s about who brings them to life.
Whether you’re team AAA blockbuster, indie obsession, or remastered classic, Adriyan Rae’s nomination is a moment to celebrate, and it’s a reminder that the Golden Joystick Awards are about the people who make them unforgettable. For us, it’s definitely a “we see you” moment for Black women in gaming!
For more info and to cast your vote, visit Golden Joystick Awards 2025 or follow on Instagram, X, and Facebook. #GoldenJoystickAwards
