Clair Obscur Dominates at the 2025 Golden Joystick Ceremony

The forty-third yearly Golden Joystick Awards took place on Thursday, and in a stunning performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the top winner. The surprise role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive earned the esteemed Top Game award, along with accolades for Superb Storytelling and Excellence in Visuals.

Enhancing the studio's triumph, the talented cast also garnered personal awards. Jennifer English received Best Lead Performer for her performance as Maelle, while Ben Starr won Supporting Performance Award for his acting as Verso. Moreover, Sandfall Interactive itself was named Studio of the Year. Overall, Clair Obscur and its creative team won 7 awards during the event.

Other notable winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Outstanding Audio and Best Console Game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Top Self-Published Indie and PC Game of the Year. Notably, the bulk of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the public, with only four categories—Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamer Selection—decided by critics.

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

• Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Audio Design – Ghost of Yōtei
• Best Multiplayer Game – Peak
• Top Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Game Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
• Best Indie Game Self Published – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
• Studio of the Year – Sandfall Interactive
• Best Early Access – REPO
• Best Soundtrack – 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
• Top Remake – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
• Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
• Top Gaming Gear – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
• Best Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
• Supporting Performance Award – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Lead Performance Award – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Hall of Fame – The Sims
• Top PC Title – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Best Console Game – Ghost of Yōtei
• Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
• Most Wanted Title – Grand Theft Auto 6
• Ultimate Game – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

If you missed out on the live show, the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 is available to watch through streaming below.