Clair Obscur Triumphs at the 2025 Golden Joystick Ceremony
The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards were hosted this past week, and with a remarkable performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the top winner. The standout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive secured the coveted Game of the Year award, along with honors for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's achievements, the skilled actors also garnered personal awards. Jennifer English received Top Lead Actor for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Best Supporting Performer for his role as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive itself was honored as Best Development Team. In total, Clair Obscur and its makers won seven awards during the ceremony.
Other major winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which received Outstanding Audio and Console Game of the Year, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, winning Outstanding Independent Game and Best PC Game. Notably, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are selected by the public, with only 4 special—Critics Choice, Breakthrough, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamer Selection—decided by critics.
Here is the complete list of honorees from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
- Top Story – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Audio Design – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Best Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Indie Game Self Published – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Independent Game – Blue Prince
- Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access – REPO
- Top Score – 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
- Streamer Favorite – Peak
- Best Remake / Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Best Supporting Performer – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Performer – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – 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
If you missed out on the actual ceremony, the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards is available to watch online below.
