Full Breakdown
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Dominates the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards
11/21/2025, 7:51:30 PM
Overview of the Event
The 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, held on November 20 in London, celebrated the achievements of the video game industry in its 43rd year. This year's ceremony saw a significant turnout, with millions of votes cast by fans worldwide. The standout title of the night was *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, developed by Sandfall Interactive, which won a total of seven awards, including the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year.
Major Awards and Achievements
*Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* achieved remarkable success, winning in every category it was nominated for. The game secured awards for Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Soundtrack, and Best Lead Performer (Jennifer English), among others. Sandfall Interactive was also recognized as Studio of the Year. This performance ties the record set by *Baldur's Gate 3* in 2023 for the most awards won in a single ceremony.
Complete List of Awards Won by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Ultimate Game of the Year
- Best Storytelling
- Best Visual Design
- Best Lead Performer (Jennifer English)
- Best Supporting Performer (Ben Starr)
- Studio of the Year (Sandfall Interactive)
Competition and Context
The competition was fierce, with *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* as the runner-up for Ultimate Game of the Year. Despite receiving multiple nominations, it did not win any awards, often competing directly against *Expedition 33* in various categories. Other notable nominees included *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*, *Hades II*, and *Hollow Knight: Silksong*.
Criticism & Opposition
While *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* received widespread acclaim, some critics expressed concerns about the dominance of certain titles in award nominations. Critics argue that this trend can overshadow deserving indie games, suggesting that the awards may favor established titles over emerging ones. One commentator noted, “It feels bad every time I see them being nominated for several categories at once when there are games I feel need or deserve a bigger spotlight.”
What's Next
Following its success at the Golden Joystick Awards, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* is poised to compete at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025. With a record-breaking 12 nominations, it is anticipated to be a strong contender for multiple awards, including Game of the Year.
Conclusion
The 2025 Golden Joystick Awards highlighted the exceptional talent within the gaming industry, with *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* emerging as a significant force. Its sweeping victory not only marks a milestone for Sandfall Interactive but also sets high expectations for future projects from the studio. As the gaming community looks forward to The Game Awards, the impact of this year's winners will continue to resonate.
