The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards unfolded recently, and with a remarkable display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the top winner. This breakout role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive secured the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with honors for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Enhancing the studio's success, its talented cast also were honored with individual awards. Jennifer English received Outstanding Lead Performance for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Best Supporting Performer for his role as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive itself received Top Studio. Overall, Clair Obscur and its developers collected 7 awards throughout the event.
Additional major winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which received Top Sound Design and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Best Indie Game (Self-Published) and PC Game of the Year. It is important to note, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the gamers, with only 4 categories—Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamers' Favorite—decided by critics.
Following is the full list of winners from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Audio Design – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Top Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
- Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access – REPO
- Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Still Playing - Mobile – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing - Consoles & PC – Minecraft
- Streamers' Pick – Peak
- Best Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Best Hardware – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Supporting Performance Award – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Lead Performance Award – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame – 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 Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you missed out on the actual show, the awards ceremony is available to watch via video here.
