Clair Obscur Triumphs at the 2025's Golden Joystick Awards
The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards were hosted this past week, and in a stunning display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the most decorated winner. The breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive won the esteemed Top Game award, along with prizes for Outstanding Narrative and Excellence in Visuals.
Complementing the developer's success, its skilled actors also received individual awards. Jennifer English was named Top Lead Actor for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr won Supporting Performance Award for his role as Verso. Furthermore, Sandfall Interactive itself received Studio of the Year. In total, Clair Obscur and its makers achieved seven awards during the event.
Additional notable winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Best Audio Design and Best Console Game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, winning Outstanding Independent Game and Premier PC Title. It is important to note, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are voted on by the audience, with only four awards—Critics' Pick, Rising Star, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamer Selection—decided by experts.
Following is the entire list of award recipients from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:
- Top Story – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Excellence in Sound – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Best Visuals – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Self-Published Indie – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Independent Game – Blue Prince
- Best Development Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access – REPO
- Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Still Playing (Mobile) – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing (Console/PC) – Minecraft
- Streamers' Pick – Peak
- Top Remake – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Best Gaming Hardware – 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
- Lifetime Achievement – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics’ Choice Award – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Anticipated – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
For those missed out on the live event, the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 can be viewed via video following this article.
