Apple has revealed the shortlisted finalists for its 2025 App Store Awards, with a total of 45 apps and games across 12 categories recognised for innovation, user experience and cultural impact.
Among the game finalists, two titles of particular note for me are Katamari Damacy Rolling Live and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. Katamari Damacy Rolling Live is shortlisted in the Apple Arcade Game of the Year category, and I find it to be one of the best games to play while commuting. In a market increasingly dominated by high-end realism, the inclusion of a classic whimsical title in the finalists list serves as a reminder that creativity still holds sway.
Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition has been shortlisted for the Mac Game of the Year category, recognised for its “stunning, futuristic visuals”, which is impressive considering the game is five years old now. Its inclusion underscores how big-budget console/PC titles are continuing to find new life on Mac platforms, alongside another AAA title – Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
