Clair Obscur Triumphs at the 2025's Golden Joystick Awards

The 43rd yearly Golden Joystick Awards unfolded this past week, and with a remarkable performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the most decorated winner. The breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive earned the coveted Game of the Year award, along with prizes for Outstanding Narrative and Best Visual Design.

Complementing the studio's success, its talented performers also were honored with personal awards. Jennifer English was named Outstanding Lead Performance for her role as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Best Supporting Performer for his role as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive the studio received Top Studio. In total, Clair Obscur and its makers achieved 7 awards throughout the event.

Additional standout winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which won Outstanding Audio and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Outstanding Independent Game and PC Game of the Year. Notably, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are voted on by the gamers, with only 4 special—Critics Choice, Breakthrough, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamer Selection—decided by reviewers.

Following is the complete list of award recipients from the 2025 gaming awards:

• 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 Independent Game – Blue Prince
• Studio of the Year – Sandfall Interactive
• Best Early Access – REPO
• Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
• Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
• Console/PC Game Still Played – Minecraft
• Streamers’ Choice – Peak
• Top Remake – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
• Breakthrough – Schedule I
• Best Gaming Hardware – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
• Best Game 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
• Top PC Title – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
• Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
• Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
• Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

For those missed out on the live show, the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards can be viewed online following this article.