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As awards season arrives in full force, the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 has officially revealed its winners. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 immediately emerged as the biggest victor of the night, sweeping seven major categories, including Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Soundtrack, and the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year. Consequently, the action RPG has positioned itself as one of 2025’s most celebrated titles.
We continue 🫶🏻
7 massive #GoldenJoystickAwards wins for @expedition33 !!! Owowow.
Congrats to @SandfallGames and @KeplerInteract pic.twitter.com/rVFb8ngW3k
— Golden Joysticks (@GoldenJoysticks) November 20, 2025
Clair Obscur Steals the Spotlight
Sandfall Interactive’s breakout hit continued its momentum throughout the ceremony. Not only did Clair Obscur dominate its categories, but it also showcased how deeply its artistry resonated with players. Jennifer English earned Best Lead Performer for her portrayal of Maelle, while Ben Starr secured Best Supporting Performer as Verso. Together, their performances further strengthened the game’s emotional impact.
Moreover, Clair Obscur’s unique chiaroscuro-inspired aesthetic—built around dramatic lighting and shadow—helped it stand out visually. As a result, it claimed Best Visual Design, with judges praising its theatrical, painterly look that blends darkness and illumination into every scene.
Hosts, Highlights, and 21 Million Votes
This year’s event was hosted in London, and Maggie Robertson—best known as Resident Evil’s Lady Dimitrescu—brought a lively and chaotic charm to the ceremony. Additionally, she surprised attendees with a musical segment, which added a memorable twist to the night.
Since the Golden Joysticks are the world’s longest-running publicly voted game awards, the stakes were particularly high. Impressively, more than 21 million votes were cast, demonstrating just how invested players were in this year’s choices.
Other Major Winners of the Night
Although Clair Obscur dominated, several notable titles also claimed important awards. Blue Prince won Best Indie Game, while PEAK earned both Best Multiplayer Game and the Streamers’ Choice Award, showcasing its rising popularity. Meanwhile, Ghost of Yōtei delivered a strong performance as well, taking home Best Audio Design and Console Game of the Year.
Furthermore, Hollow Knight: Silksong picked up PC Game of the Year and Best Indie Game – Self Published, proving that its long-awaited release continued to capture players’ attention. Additional recognition included the Breakthrough Award for Schedule 1, the Critics’ Choice Award for Donkey Kong Bananza, and the induction of The Sims into the Golden Joystick Hall of Fame, highlighting its lasting cultural influence.
Golden Joystick Awards 2025: Full List of Winners
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Ultimate Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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Best Storytelling: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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Best Visual Design: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Soundtrack: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Lead Performer: Jennifer English – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Supporting Performer: Ben Starr – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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Best Multiplayer Game: PEAK
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Best Indie Game: Blue Prince
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Best Indie Game – Self Published: Hollow Knight: Silksong
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PC Game of the Year: Hollow Knight: Silksong
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Console Game of the Year: Ghost of Yōtei
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Still Playing Award – PC & Console: Minecraft
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Still Playing Award – Mobile: Pokémon GO
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Best Remake/Remaster: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
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Studio of the Year: Sandfall Interactive
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Best Game Expansion: Lies of P: Overture
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Best Audio Design: Ghost of Yōtei
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Best Early Access Game: R.E.P.O.
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Best Gaming Hardware: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
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Best Game Adaptation: Arcane Season 2 (Netflix)
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Best Game Trailer: Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2
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Most Wanted Game: Grand Theft Auto VI
A Landmark Night for Clair Obscur
With seven awards and overwhelming support, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ultimately stood as the defining triumph of the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards. Thanks to its striking visual identity, heartfelt performances, and bold artistic direction, it has firmly established itself as one of the year’s most influential releases. For more updates on the game, follow them on their official X account.
