The gaming world was left in awe as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the Golden Joystick Awards 2025, walking away with an impressive seven awards, including the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year. But here's where it gets controversial: can a game inspired by old-school, turn-based RPGs truly outshine modern, fast-paced titles? Developed by a dedicated team of just 30 at Sandfall Interactive in France, this critically acclaimed role-playing game (RPG) has not only captivated players but also sparked debates about the future of gaming.
At the awards ceremony, one of the oldest and largest public-voted gaming events, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stood out for its compelling storyline, strategic battles, and stellar performances. Guillaume Broche, Sandfall's CEO and creative director, expressed his disbelief at the game's success, stating, 'It's been an unbelievable year for us. We still don't really fathom everything that is going on.'
The game's triumph extended beyond its main prize, with actors Jennifer English and Ben Starr winning Best Lead Performer and Best Supporting Performer, respectively. Additionally, it secured awards for Best Soundtrack, Best Storytelling, and Best Visual Design, while Sandfall Interactive was crowned Studio of the Year. With 12 nominations at next month's Game Awards, the game is poised to continue its winning streak—but will it live up to the hype?
And this is the part most people miss: despite the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, it still managed to snag two awards—Most Wanted Game and Best Game Trailer—before its release. Meanwhile, Donkey Kong Bananza, one of the first major releases for Nintendo's Switch 2, took home the Critics Choice award, and the survival climbing game Peak won the Streamers Choice award, presented by YouTuber Elz the Witch.
With over 21 million public votes cast across 22 categories, the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 highlighted the diverse tastes of gamers worldwide. However, four awards—Critics' Choice, Hall of Fame, Breakthrough Award, and Streamers' Choice—were decided by critics, raising questions about the balance between public opinion and expert judgment. Is the gaming community's voice truly being heard, or are critics still calling the shots?
Here’s the full list of winners:
- Best Storytelling: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Audio Design: Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer Game: PEAK
- Best Visual Design: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Expansion: Lies of P: Overture
- Best Indie Game Self Published: Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Indie Game: Blue Prince
- Studio of the Year: Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access Game: R.E.P.O
- Best Soundtrack: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Trailer: Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2
- Still Playing - Mobile: Pokémon GO
- Still Playing - Consoles & PC: Minecraft
- Streamers' Choice: PEAK
- Best Remake / Remaster: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award: Schedule I
- Best Gaming Hardware: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Game Adaptation: Arcane Season 2
- Best Supporting Performer: Ben Starr
- Best Lead Performer: Jennifer English
- Hall of Fame: The Sims
- PC Game of the Year: Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Console Game of the Year: Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics' Choice Award: Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Game: Grand Theft Auto VI
- Ultimate Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
As we celebrate these achievements, it’s worth asking: What makes a game truly 'ultimate'? Is it innovation, nostalgia, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this year’s winners and the future of gaming!
