As the year draws to a close, the time for awards is upon us! The Golden Joysticks have already happened, and The Game Awards are on the horizon. Meanwhile, gamers can now start nominating their chosen games for the 2025 Steam Awards.

I was curious about how the nominations would be organized this year. Typically, the nomination period aligns with the Steam Autumn Sale, but with Valve moving that event to allow a break before the Winter Sale, they created a new sale to facilitate nominations — enter Steam’s first-ever Black Friday Sale.

The nomination process aims to simplify your choice by listing games you’ve played in 2025 along with popular and recommended titles, ensuring you can easily support your favorites.

Though there seem to be specific eligibility criteria for the recommendations, it does allow for the submission of any game released in 2025, especially in the ‘Labor of Love’ category.

Remember, you have until December 1 to make your nominations! Participating also earns you a Steam Awards Nomination Committee badge, which can be upgraded through other tasks. The winners will be revealed when the Steam Winter Sale concludes on January 3.

Steam Awards Image credit: Marcel Zurawka