Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony

The forty-third annual Golden Joystick Awards took place on Thursday, and with a remarkable show, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the biggest winner. This breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive earned the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with prizes for Best Storytelling and Top Visual Design.

Adding to the studio's achievements, the gifted actors also garnered personal awards. Jennifer English won Outstanding Lead Performance for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Best Supporting Actor for his role as Verso. Moreover, Sandfall Interactive itself was named Studio of the Year. Overall, Clair Obscur and its makers collected 7 awards during the show.

Additional major winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Outstanding Audio and Top Console Title, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, winning Top Self-Published Indie and PC Game of the Year. It is important to note, the bulk of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the audience, with only 4 awards—Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough Award, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamer Selection—judged by critics.

Below is the full list of honorees from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:

• Top Story – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Excellence in Sound – Ghost of Yōtei
• Best Multiplayer – Peak
• Best Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Game Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
• Best Self-Published Indie – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
• Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
• Best Early Access Game – REPO
• Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
• Still Playing - Mobile – Pokémon Go
• Still Playing (Console/PC) – Minecraft
• Streamers' Pick – Peak
• Best Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
• Rising Star Award – Schedule I
• Best Gaming Hardware – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
• Best Game 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
• Best PC Game – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
• Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
• Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
• Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

For those missed out on the actual event, the awards ceremony is available to watch online below.