Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony
The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards took place recently, and through an impressive show, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as the top winner. The breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive earned the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with accolades for Outstanding Narrative and Top Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's achievements, the talented cast also were honored with personal awards. Jennifer English won Outstanding Lead Performance for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr won Best Supporting Performer for his role as Verso. Furthermore, Sandfall Interactive the studio was named Best Development Team. Altogether, Clair Obscur and its makers collected seven awards during the show.
Additional standout winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which received Top Sound Design and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Top Self-Published Indie and PC Game of the Year. Notably, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the public, with only four categories—Critics’ Choice, Rising Star, Hall of Fame, and Streamers’ Choice—decided by reviewers.
Here is the complete list of honorees from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Excellence in Sound – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Best Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top DLC – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Indie Game Self Published – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Indie Game – Blue Prince
- Studio of the Year – Sandfall Interactive
- Top Early Access Title – REPO
- Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Still Playing - Mobile – Pokémon Go
- Console/PC Game Still Played – Minecraft
- Streamers’ Choice – Peak
- Best Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Top Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Best Supporting Performer – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Lead Performance Award – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame – The Sims
- Best PC Game – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you who missed the full event, the awards ceremony can be watched through streaming here.
