Expedition 33 Triumphs at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony
The forty-third yearly Golden Joystick Awards took place on Thursday, and in a stunning display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the biggest winner. This surprise role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive earned the esteemed Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with prizes for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Adding to the developer's triumph, its skilled cast also garnered individual awards. Jennifer English won Top Lead Actor for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Supporting Performance Award for his work as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive the studio was honored as Best Development Team. Overall, Clair Obscur and its creative team achieved 7 awards during the show.
Other standout winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Best Audio Design and Best Console Game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Outstanding Independent Game and PC Game of the Year. It is important to note, the bulk of Golden Joystick Awards are selected by the public, with only four categories—Critics' Pick, Breakthrough Award, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamers’ Choice—decided by critics.
Here is the full list of honorees from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Audio – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer Game – Peak
- Top Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Best Indie Game Self Published – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
- Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access – REPO
- Best Soundtrack – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Top Game Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
- Console/PC Game Still Played – Minecraft
- Streamers' Pick – Peak
- Best Remake / Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Best Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
- Supporting Performance Award – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Performer – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Hall of Fame – The Sims
- Top PC Title – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you who missed the live event, the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 is available to watch through streaming below.
