Hold onto your controllers, because the gaming world just got a major shake-up! Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has not only claimed the coveted Game of the Year title at The Game Awards 2025 but also swept the ceremony with an astonishing nine wins out of ten nominations. But here's where it gets controversial—did it truly deserve to overshadow heavyweights like Death Stranding 2 and Donkey Kong Bananza? Let’s dive in.
Developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive, this role-playing game (RPG) captivated audiences with its emotionally charged narrative and nostalgic turn-based combat system. Set in a world where a supernatural entity called The Paintress halts population growth, the game follows a group of adventurers on a perilous quest to destroy her. What’s even more compelling is the story behind the developers—a team of former Ubisoft employees who left to pursue their dream project. Talk about a plot twist!
During the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles, fans were treated to sneak peeks of upcoming titles, including two new Tomb Raider games, the sequel Control Resonant, and a fresh Star Wars RPG. But this is the part most people miss—amid the glitz, director Guillaume Broche, sporting a red beret and striped t-shirt, humbly thanked the 'unsung heroes' of the industry, like YouTube tutorial creators who helped them learn game development from scratch.
Clair Obscur’s dominance was undeniable, winning in categories like Best Narrative, Best Music, and Best Performance. Actress Jennifer English, who portrayed Maelle, dedicated her award to neurodivergent individuals, sparking a wave of applause. Yet, the game wasn’t without its misses—Battlefield 6 snagged Best Audio Design, and Wuthering Waves surprisingly won the fan-voted Player’s Voice category.
But here’s the real question: Is The Game Awards more about celebrating art or showcasing ads? Critics have long argued that the event prioritizes trailers over meaningful industry discussions, like the recent surge in developer layoffs. This year, the absence of the Future Class scheme, which once highlighted rising stars, has sparked accusations of tokenism. Should the awards do more to address these issues, or is their primary role to entertain?
From Divinity by Larian Studios to the unexpected Tomb Raider remake announcement, the night was packed with surprises. Yet, amidst the glamor, one can’t help but wonder—are we missing the bigger picture? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
