Expedition 33 Triumphs at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony

The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards took place recently, and in a stunning display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as the top winner. This surprise role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive secured the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with prizes for Superb Storytelling and Best Visual Design.

Enhancing the developer's achievements, its skilled cast also garnered personal awards. Jennifer English won Outstanding Lead Performance for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Supporting Performance Award for his work as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive the studio was honored as Studio of the Year. Overall, Clair Obscur and its makers collected seven awards throughout the event.

Additional major winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which won Top Sound Design and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, winning Outstanding Independent Game and Premier PC Title. It is important to note, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the gamers, with only four categories—Critics' Pick, Breakthrough Award, Hall of Fame, and Streamers’ Choice—determined by critics.

Here is the complete list of award recipients from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:

• Outstanding Narrative – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Top Audio – Ghost of Yōtei
• Best Multiplayer Game – Peak
• Top Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
• Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
• Best Development Studio – Sandfall Interactive
• Best Early Access Game – REPO
• Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Top Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
• Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
• Console/PC Game Still Played – Minecraft
• Streamers’ Choice – Peak
• Best Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
• Rising Star Award – Schedule I
• Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
• Top Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
• Supporting Performance Award – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Lead Performer – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Lifetime Achievement – The Sims
• Best PC Game – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
• Critics’ Choice Award – Donkey Kong Bananza
• Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
• Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

For those who missed the live event, the awards ceremony can be watched online below.