Expedition 33 Dominates at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony

The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards took place this past week, and with a remarkable performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the most decorated winner. The surprise role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive won the prestigious Game of the Year award, along with honors for Superb Storytelling and Best Visual Design.

Enhancing the developer's achievements, the talented actors also received individual awards. Jennifer English received Outstanding Lead Performance for her role as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Best Supporting Performer for his work as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive itself received Studio of the Year. Altogether, Clair Obscur and its makers won 7 awards throughout the show.

Additional major winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which won Top Sound Design and Console Game of the Year, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, honored with Outstanding Independent Game and PC Game of the Year. It is important to note, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are voted on by the public, with only four categories—Critics Choice, Rising Star, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamer Selection—determined by experts.

Following is the complete list of award recipients from the 2025 gaming awards:

• Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Audio Design – Ghost of Yōtei
• Best Multiplayer – Peak
• Best Visuals – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Top DLC – Lies of P: Overture
• Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Best Indie Game – Blue Prince
• Studio of the Year – Sandfall Interactive
• Top Early Access Title – 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’ Choice – 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
• Best Supporting Actor – 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
• Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
• Critics’ Choice Award – Donkey Kong Bananza
• Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
• Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

For those who missed the live show, the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards can be viewed online below.