The Game Awards are the industry’s biggest annual celebration, bringing together critics, developers, and players to recognize the most impactful games of the year. At the 2025 ceremony, one title stood clearly above the rest. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 didn’t just win big — it dominated the night, becoming the most awarded game in the show’s history and cementing its place as one of the defining RPGs of the year.
All Awards Won by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
During the ceremony, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received nine awards, an unprecedented result for a single game at The Game Awards:
- Game of the Year
- Best Direction
- Best Narrative
- Best Art Direction
- Best Original Score and Music
- Best Independent Game
- Best RPG
- Best Performance – Jennifer English
- Innovation in Accessibility
This sweep reflects not just popularity, but broad recognition across storytelling, design, music, performance, and overall creative vision.
Why the Game Resonated So Strongly
Much of Clair Obscur’s success comes down to its identity. The game blends traditional RPG mechanics with a strong cinematic approach, placing story and atmosphere at the center of the experience. Its world is visually striking but restrained, using muted colors and surreal imagery to reinforce its themes of time, loss, and inevitability.
Narrative depth played a major role as well. Choices carry emotional weight, characters feel human rather than archetypal, and the pacing allows key moments to breathe. Instead of overwhelming players with exposition, the game trusts them to piece together its mysteries, which helped it stand out in a crowded RPG landscape.
A Standout Achievement for an Independent RPG
Winning Best Independent Game alongside Game of the Year sent a clear message. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was not backed by a traditional AAA production pipeline, yet it competed — and won — against the biggest names in the industry. Its triumph reflects a growing appreciation for focused creative vision over sheer scale or budget.
The recognition for Best Original Score and Best Art Direction also highlights how carefully the game’s presentation was crafted. Music and visuals work together to support the narrative, creating a mood that stays with players long after the credits roll.
The Impact After Awards Night
Following the ceremony, Clair Obscur saw a surge in visibility, discussion, and interest across gaming communities. Players who had missed it earlier in the year quickly added it to their wishlists, while fans and critics alike began calling it one of the most important RPGs of 2025.
Its success at The Game Awards marks more than a single night of trophies. It represents a moment where a story-driven, artistically ambitious RPG captured both critical acclaim and mainstream attention. For fans of the genre, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s triumph feels like a reminder of what role-playing games can achieve when vision and execution align.