Dominik Diamond's 2025 Gaming Awards Highlight Shifting Tastes and Industry Trends

Tech journalist Dominik Diamond, known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense opinions, has released his alternative game of the year awards for 2025, offering a humorous yet insightful look into the gaming habits of his household and the broader industry trends. Diamond's list isn't your typical collection of polished AAA titles; instead, it's a reflection of real-life gaming experiences, complete with family squabbles and personal disappointments.

Diamond's family's gaming choices offer a glimpse into diverse preferences. His eldest daughter juggles *Just Dance 2024*, *Horizon Zero Dawn*, and *Pikmin*, while also navigating the complexities of finding decent healthcare (in-game and, more worryingly, in real life) within *Cityscapes*. This highlights the blurring lines between virtual and real-world concerns, as games increasingly reflect and comment on societal issues. His middle son's dedication to *Overwatch* on dedicated gaming devices showcases a resistance to the mobile gaming trend, a sentiment Diamond clearly respects. Meanwhile, his youngest daughter's interest in *Resident Evil Biohazard* alongside her theatrical aspirations speaks to the diverse ways young people engage with media and entertainment.

Diamond himself admits to being consumed by *Marvel Snap*, a digital card game, before growing disillusioned with its microtransaction-driven model. This reflects a growing concern within the gaming community regarding the ethics of in-game purchases and the potential for predatory monetization strategies. He praises *Doom: The Dark Ages* for its immersive atmosphere and *Balatro* (a game from 2024 he belatedly discovered) for its ingenious design, highlighting the importance of both technical achievement and innovative gameplay. His criticism of *Outer Worlds 2* and his struggles with *Hollow Knight: Silksong* showcase the subjective nature of game appreciation and the potential for disconnect between critical acclaim and personal enjoyment.

Diamond doesn't shy away from addressing industry controversies. He calls out EA's partnership with Jared Kushner and the Saudis and the high price tag of *Outer Worlds 2*, labeling them both "morally indefensible and repugnant." This willingness to tackle ethical issues within the gaming world sets his awards apart from more conventional lists that often prioritize commercial success over critical analysis.

Ultimately, Diamond's alternative game of the year awards provide a valuable snapshot of the gaming landscape in 2025. It's a reminder that gaming is not just about technical prowess and blockbuster releases, but also about personal experiences, family dynamics, and the ongoing debate about the industry's ethical responsibilities. As we look ahead to 2026 and the highly anticipated *GTA 6*, Diamond's reflections offer a crucial reminder to approach the gaming world with both enthusiasm and a critical eye.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.