Clair Obscur Triumphs at the 2025 Golden Joystick Ceremony
The 43rd yearly Golden Joystick Awards unfolded on Thursday, and in a stunning display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the top winner. This breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive won the coveted Game of the Year award, along with accolades for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Enhancing the developer's success, its talented performers also received personal awards. Jennifer English won Outstanding Lead Performance for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Best Supporting Actor for his acting as Verso. Furthermore, Sandfall Interactive itself was named Studio of the Year. Overall, Clair Obscur and its developers won 7 awards during the ceremony.
Other notable winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which won Top Sound Design and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, honored with Outstanding Independent Game and Premier PC Title. Notably, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the audience, with only four awards—Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough Award, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamer Selection—judged by critics.
Below is the full list of winners from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:
- Outstanding Narrative – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Audio – Ghost of Yōtei
- Top Multiplayer Title – Peak
- Top 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
- Best Development Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access Game – REPO
- Top Score – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing (Console/PC) – Minecraft
- Streamers' Pick – Peak
- Best Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Rising Star Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Supporting Performance Award – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Performer – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame Inductee – The Sims
- Top PC Title – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
For those missed out on the actual event, the awards ceremony can be watched via video following this article.
