Steam users have until December 1 to submit their votes for the 2025 Steam Awards across 11 different categories, including Game of the Year, Best Game on Steam Deck, and Best Visual Style. After voting closes, finalists will be revealed on December 18, coinciding with the annual Steam Winter Sale. The winners will be announced on January 3, 2026.

Voting categories include classic options such as Game of the Year and Best Soundtrack, featuring nominees like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Digimon Story: Time Stranger. However, categories like VR Game of the Year have stricter eligibility criteria. To qualify for nomination, a game must have launched on Valve’s platform within the last year. For instance, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is eligible since it will be available on Steam in January 2025, despite its initial release as a PS5 exclusive in February 2024.

Additionally, nominees for each award will reflect the dynamic gaming landscape, showcasing titles that have garnered attention over the past year. Steam users have significant opportunities to influence which games are recognized among the best offerings this coming year.