Clair Obscur Triumphs at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards
The forty-third yearly Golden Joystick Awards took place on Thursday, and with a remarkable performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the top winner. This standout role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive earned the prestigious Game of the Year award, along with honors for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's achievements, its gifted cast also were honored with personal awards. Jennifer English won Best Lead Performer for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Best Supporting Performer for his role as Verso. Furthermore, Sandfall Interactive itself was honored as Studio of the Year. In total, Clair Obscur and its creative team achieved seven awards throughout the show.
Other major winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which won Best Audio Design and Console Game of the Year, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Outstanding Independent Game and Best PC Game. Notably, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are voted on by the gamers, with only four categories—Critics' Pick, Rising Star, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamer Selection—determined by critics.
Below is the entire list of winners from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
- Top Story – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Excellence in Sound – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Best Visuals – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top DLC – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Self-Published Indie – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Indie Game – Blue Prince
- Studio of the Year – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access Game – REPO
- Top Score – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Still Playing (Mobile) – Pokémon Go
- Console/PC Game Still Played – Minecraft
- Streamers' Pick – Peak
- Top Remake – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Best Supporting Actor – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Actor – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Lifetime Achievement – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics’ Choice Award – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
For those who missed the live show, the awards ceremony can be watched online following this article.