Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially taken home the biggest prize in gaming — Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025. The annual ceremony wrapped up with its usual mix of glitz, surprise reveals, emotional speeches, and fierce competition, but the final announcement was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
This year’s show came with extra excitement, thanks to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 entering the event with a massive thirteen nominations, the highest of any game this year. Fans had spent weeks wondering whether the critically acclaimed title would maintain its awards-season dominance or whether a surprise underdog would steal the spotlight at the last minute. But by the end of the night, there was no doubt — the game had cemented its place at the top.
A Night Loaded With Tension, Big Expectations, and Bigger Wins
Millions of viewers tuned in across platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Prime Video and regional streaming services. While new trailers often dominate conversations at The Game Awards, this year the results were just as gripping.
As early categories were announced, it became clear that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was on a winning streak. The game picked up major awards including Best Performance and Best Independent Game, powering its momentum straight into the final Game of the Year reveal.
Each win added to the growing tension, with fans online buzzing about whether the small French studio behind the title was about to make history. By the time the last envelope was opened, the crowd — both in-person and online — watched in anticipation as Clair Obscur’s name was called yet again.
A Breakthrough Victory for a Small French Studio
Accepting the Game of the Year trophy, creative director Guillaume Broche appeared overwhelmed. He thanked his small but dedicated team and even expressed gratitude to the online creators whose tutorials helped them learn game development during the early stages of the project.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had humble beginnings. Broche started working on the game in 2020 while he was still employed at Ubisoft. What began as an experimental idea later evolved into the first full release from Sandfall Interactive, a studio of about thirty people.
Since its launch in April, the game has sold around five million copies, becoming a global hit. It has also sparked a vibrant fan culture. At gaming conventions, fans have been seen wearing the game’s iconic striped sailor shirt and red beret, a fun nod to its French roots and instantly recognizable aesthetic.
What Makes the Game So Special?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Belle Époque Paris. The devastated but artistically rich setting immediately drew players in.
The story follows a group of characters fighting to protect their home city, Lumiere, from an overwhelming threat. What makes the game unique is its blend of classic turn-based RPG combat with rhythm-based, reactive gameplay, where players must time defensive moves precisely during enemy attacks.
Its deep emotional storytelling, stunning visual style, and unique mechanics have drawn comparisons to legendary Japanese RPG franchises like Final Fantasy. Critics and fans alike praised its originality, calling it one of the most refreshing RPGs in recent years.
An Indie Triumph Over the Industry’s Biggest Names
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 managed to outshine heavyweight contenders including Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2 and Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza. Competing against giants with enormous budgets, the small team at Sandfall Interactive delivered a game polished enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with blockbuster titles.
In addition to Game of the Year, the title won awards for Narrative, Role-Playing, and Original Score, with the soundtrack being widely praised for elevating the emotional impact of the story.
Celebrations Break Out in France — Even the President Took Notice
The cultural impact of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has stretched far beyond the gaming crowd. Back in May, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the developers, celebrating the game as an example of French creativity shining on the world stage.
With critical acclaim, commercial success, and a growing global fanbase, the future looks bright for the franchise. Sandfall Interactive has already confirmed that plans are in motion to adapt the game’s story for cinema, opening the door to a much larger universe.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Game of the Year win is more than a trophy — it’s a statement. A small studio with a bold vision has not only shaken the industry but also set a new standard for what indie games can achieve. And with its rapidly growing community and upcoming film adaptation, this may be just the beginning.
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