Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025's Golden Joystick Ceremony
The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards unfolded on Thursday, and with a remarkable display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the most decorated winner. This standout role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive secured the esteemed Top Game award, along with accolades for Outstanding Narrative and Best Visual Design.
Adding to the studio's achievements, the gifted cast also were honored with personal awards. Jennifer English received Outstanding Lead Performance for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr won Best Supporting Performer for his work as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive the studio received Studio of the Year. Overall, Clair Obscur and its makers collected seven awards throughout the show.
Additional major winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Best Audio Design and Best Console Game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, honored with Outstanding Independent Game and PC Game of the Year. Worth mentioning, the lion's share of Golden Joystick Awards are voted on by the gamers, with only four awards—Critics' Pick, Breakthrough, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamer Selection—determined by reviewers.
Below is the full list of award recipients from the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards:
- Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Audio Design – Ghost of Yōtei
- Best Multiplayer – Peak
- Best Visuals – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Game Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Indie Game – Blue Prince
- Best Development Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Top Early Access Title – 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
- Streamer Favorite – Peak
- Best Remake / Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
- Best Hardware – 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
- Hall of Fame – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics’ Choice Award – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Anticipated – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you missed out on the live show, the awards ceremony is available to watch online following this article.
