In a standout moment at The Game Awards 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned Game of the Year, taking home the industry’s most prestigious honor and cementing its place as the defining title of the year.
The announcement, delivered during the live ceremony, marked a major victory for the French RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive.
The Game of the Year award goes to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! #TheGameAwards @expedition33 @sandfallgames @kepler_interact pic.twitter.com/s33D7xvdvq
— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) December 12, 2025
The Game of the Year Finalists
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 topped a competitive field of nominees, with the full list of finalists as follows:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — Winner
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Hades II
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The diverse lineup highlighted a range of genres and development scales, from narrative-driven experiences and platforming favorites to deep role-playing adventures — underlining the breadth of creativity in games released this year.
A Night to Remember
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s victory was one of the evening’s defining moments, topping a list that saw strong contenders challenge for the top prize.
The title’s success reflects broad acclaim from both critics and voters, positioning it as a standout artistic achievement in gaming.
The Game Awards 2025 continued its tradition of celebrating the year’s best in interactive entertainment, combining high-profile premieres, developer insights, and recognition across dozens of categories.
About Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a role-playing game developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive.
Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque–era France, the story centers on the mysterious Paintress, who once a year paints a number on a towering monolith—causing everyone of that age to instantly vanish.
Players lead Expedition 33 on a desperate mission to stop the cycle, with the narrative focusing on mortality, sacrifice, and the weight of time.
The game features a hybrid combat system that blends traditional turn-based RPG mechanics with real-time elements such as timed attacks, dodges, and parries.
Visually, it stands out for its striking art direction and moody atmosphere, drawing on the concept of “clair obscur,” or the contrast between light and darkness.
