Clair Obscur Triumphs at the 2025's Golden Joystick Awards
The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards unfolded this past week, and through an impressive performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the most decorated winner. The surprise role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive won the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with accolades for Outstanding Narrative and Top Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's success, its skilled performers also were honored with personal awards. Jennifer English was named Top Lead Actor for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Best Supporting Performer for his acting as Verso. Furthermore, Sandfall Interactive itself received Top Studio. Overall, Clair Obscur and its creative team collected seven awards during the ceremony.
Other notable winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Top Sound Design and Best Console Game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, honored with Top Self-Published Indie and PC Game of the Year. It is important to note, the bulk of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the public, with only four awards—Critics' Pick, Breakthrough, Hall of Fame, and Streamers' Favorite—determined by critics.
Here is the full list of honorees from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Audio – Ghost of Yōtei
- Top Multiplayer Title – Peak
- Best Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top DLC – Lies of P: Overture
- Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Independent Game – Blue Prince
- Studio of the Year – Sandfall Interactive
- Top Early Access Title – REPO
- Best Soundtrack – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing (Console/PC) – Minecraft
- Streamers' Pick – Peak
- Best Remake / Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Rising Star Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Supporting Performance Award – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Actor – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame Inductee – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics’ Choice Award – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you who missed the full event, the awards ceremony can be viewed through streaming below.
