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Capture of the Year 2025 by @lvnarcue, Elden Ring

Hall of Winners

Photo Mode Awards 2025

Capture of the Year

@lvnarcueElden Ring · FromSoftware

A masterclass in composition. The community voted it unforgettable.

All 2025 winners

The year in review

Photo Mode Awards 2025

Year two grew in every direction: 2,300 entries, more than 70 countries, 225 games and over 4,200 community votes. Cyberpunk 2077 had a firm grip on people and buildings, with all four People and Architecture places shot in Night City. Elden Ring had the last word, giving @lvnarcue both the Action win and Capture of the Year.

2,300+Submissions
70+Countries
4,200+Community votes
225+Games entered

Highlights

  • 2,300+ entries, a 35% increase from 2024 as the community continued to grow globally.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 generated one of the highest submission counts for a single game in 2025.
  • 4,200+ community votes made 2025 the most engaged voting season to date.
PMAs 2025 Magazine coverDigital magazinePMAs 2025 Magazine154 pagesRead →

Photo Mode Awards · Judged by the panel

Category winners

6 categories, judged blind by our panel. One winner and one runner-up in each.

01

People

Personality, expressions and emotions of individuals or groups.

Winner
@Krieg_VPCyberpunk 2077 · CD PROJEKT RED
Runner-up
@VickY___221BCyberpunk 2077 · CD PROJEKT RED
02

Architecture

Buildings, structures and urban or fantasy environments.

Winner
@xjqxz66Cyberpunk 2077 · CD PROJEKT RED
Runner-up
@PhotoingameCyberpunk 2077 · CD PROJEKT RED
03

Action

High-intensity dynamic scenes: movement, energy, vitality.

Winner
@lvnarcueElden Ring · FromSoftware
Runner-up
@amich_vpGran Turismo 7 · Polyphony Digital
04

Close Up

Intimate, detailed shots exploring texture and fine detail.

Winner
@wingsforsmilesAlan Wake 2 · Remedy Entertainment
Runner-up
@wistfulembraceGhost of Tsushima · Sucker Punch Productions
05

Nature

Landscapes, wildlife, flora and the natural outdoors.

Winner
@belegarsson115Assassin's Creed Shadows · Ubisoft
Runner-up
@DeathStalker131Assassin's Creed Shadows · Ubisoft
06

Indie

Unique worlds crafted by independent game developers.

Winner
@ScreencheSession: Skate Sim · crea-ture Studios
Runner-up
@tim_14vpSIFU · Sloclap

People’s Choice · Voted by the community

Best photo modes

The games the community voted best in each genre. Open one to see every nominee.

Best Action Photo ModeGod of War: RagnarökSanta Monica Studio
Best Adventure Photo ModeDays Gone RemasteredBend Studio
Best RPG Photo ModeCyberpunk 2077CD PROJEKT RED
Best Simulation Photo ModeForza Horizon 5Playground Games
Best Indie Photo ModeLost Records: Bloom & RageDON'T NOD
Creator of the Yearmichi.media@michi.media
Also nominated
  • Saskia@saskia.s.photo.world
  • Evey@wistfulembrace
  • PlayPausePhoto@playpausephoto
  • Nimmu@niinakaniin.vp

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Be Part of the LegacySubmissions for the next Photo Mode Awards open 1 June 2027.
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