Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025 Golden Joystick Ceremony
The 43rd yearly Golden Joystick Awards were hosted this past week, and with a remarkable performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the most decorated winner. This breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive won the esteemed Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with prizes for Best Storytelling and Top Visual Design.
Enhancing the developer's triumph, 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. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive itself received Studio of the Year. Overall, Clair Obscur and its creative team won 7 awards throughout the event.
Other major winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which received Top Sound Design and Console Game of the Year, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Top Self-Published Indie and Premier PC Title. It is important to note, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are selected by the gamers, with only 4 categories—Critics’ Choice, Rising Star, Hall of Fame, and Streamers' Favorite—decided by reviewers.
Here is the complete list of winners from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Audio – 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
- Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
- Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Top Early Access Title – REPO
- Top Score – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Still Playing - Mobile – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing - Consoles & PC – Minecraft
- Streamer Favorite – Peak
- Top Remake – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Best Supporting Performer – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Lead Performance Award – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Lifetime Achievement – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics' Choice – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Anticipated – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
For those missed out on the actual show, the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards can be watched online following this article.
