Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards
The forty-third yearly Golden Joystick Awards unfolded this past week, and through an impressive performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the top winner. This surprise role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive won the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with accolades for Superb Storytelling and Top Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's achievements, the skilled cast also received personal awards. Jennifer English was named Best Lead Performer for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Best Supporting Performer for his acting as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive the studio was honored as Best Development Team. Overall, Clair Obscur and its creative team collected seven awards throughout the ceremony.
Additional standout winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which won Best Audio Design and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, honored with Best Indie Game (Self-Published) and PC Game of the Year. It is important to note, the bulk of Golden Joystick Awards are selected by the gamers, with only 4 categories—Critics' Pick, Rising Star, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamers’ Choice—judged by reviewers.
Below is the complete list of award recipients from the 2025 gaming awards:
- Outstanding Narrative – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Audio – Ghost of Yōtei
- Top Multiplayer Title – Peak
- Best Visuals – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Indie Game Self Published – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Indie Game – Blue Prince
- Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Top Early Access Title – REPO
- Best Soundtrack – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Still Playing (Mobile) – Pokémon Go
- Console/PC Game Still Played – Minecraft
- Streamer Favorite – Peak
- Best Remake / Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough – Schedule I
- Best Hardware – 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
- Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you missed out on the live event, the awards ceremony can be watched online below.
