Minecraft and the Golden Joystick Awards 2025: A Legend That Never Ages

More than a decade after its debut, Minecraft continues to prove that age for a video game — is just a number. At the Golden Joystick Awards ceremony held on November 20, 2025, in London, Mojang Studios' creation once again took center stage, securing a confident victory in the prestigious "Still Playing Award" category.

This award — is not just another trophy on the developers' shelf, but a testament to a unique phenomenon: the game remains not just alive but thriving, despite generational shifts in consoles and the emergence of new graphical technologies.

Fierce Competition: Who Challenged the Titan?

The victory was not easily won. The "Still Playing" category is traditionally considered one of the toughest, as it features service-based projects that have retained millions of players for years. In 2025, the list of nominees resembled a "Hall of Fame" of the modern industry.

Minecraft had to compete for gamers' votes against heavyweights such as:

• Fortnite and Apex Legends — leaders of the battle royale genre;
• GTA Online — Rockstar's ever-relevant multiplayer;
• Dead by Daylight and Warframe — iconic session-based games;
• Helldivers 2 — one of the biggest hits of recent years.

The fact that the cubic sandbox outperformed these high-tech and dynamic projects speaks to the incredible loyalty of its fan community.

Words from the Winners: Jens Bergensten's Speech

To accept the award, Mojang's lead designer Jens "Jeb" Bergensten took the stage. His appearance was met with thunderous applause. In his acceptance speech, Jeb focused not on the studio's technical achievements but on the people who launch the game every day.

"Minecraft won its first 'Golden Joystick' back in 2011. A lot of time has passed since then, and our team has worked hard to expand the game," noted Bergensten. — "But in reality, Minecraft is expanded by our players, content creators, modders, and even film directors. On behalf of the entire Mojang team and myself — thank you so much!"

This speech highlighted Minecraft's philosophy: developers create the canvas and tools, but the true masterpiece is painted by the players themselves.

Historical Context: The Award Collection Grows

For veteran community members, this victory came as no surprise, but it further solidified the game's historical legacy. Minecraft regularly wins Golden Joystick Awards, demonstrating enviable consistency:

• 2019, 2020, 2024, and now 2025: Victories in the "Still Playing Award" category.
• 2011 and 2012: Wins in the "Download Game of the Year" category.
• 2020: Award for "Best Game Community".

Such consistency is unique in an industry where a game's "lifespan" is often measured in just a few years. Minecraft has become more than just a game — it is a platform for creativity, communication, and learning, adapting to each new generation of gamers.

What Does This Mean for Players?

Another award confirms that Mojang is heading in the right direction. The game's support not only remains strong but is recognized at the highest level. For us, the players, this is a guarantee that the beloved cubic worlds will continue to evolve, receiving new updates, biomes, and mechanics.

Minecraft in 2025 — is not nostalgia for the past but an active present. And judging by the Golden Joystick Awards results, the game's future is just as bright.

Did you vote for Minecraft this year? Share your thoughts in the comments!