Expedition 33 Triumphs at the 2025 Golden Joystick Ceremony

The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards unfolded recently, and in a stunning performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the biggest winner. The standout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive secured the coveted Top Game award, along with honors for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.

Adding to the studio's triumph, the skilled cast also received personal awards. Jennifer English won Outstanding Lead Performance for her portrayal as Maelle, while Ben Starr earned Best Supporting Performer for his acting as Verso. Moreover, Sandfall Interactive itself received Best Development Team. In total, Clair Obscur and its makers achieved 7 awards during the event.

Other major winners included Ghost of Yōtei, which received Best Audio Design and Console Game of the Year, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Best Indie Game (Self-Published) and Best PC Game. Notably, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the gamers, with only 4 categories—Critics Choice, Breakthrough, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamer Selection—judged by critics.

Following is the entire list of winners from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:

• Best Storytelling – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Audio Design – Ghost of Yōtei
• Best Multiplayer – Peak
• Top Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Game Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
• Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
• Top Studio – Sandfall Interactive
• Best Early Access – REPO
• Best Music – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
• Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
• Still Playing - Consoles & PC – Minecraft
• Streamers’ Choice – Peak
• Best Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
• Breakthrough Award – Schedule I
• Best Gaming Hardware – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
• Best Game Adaptation – Arcane Season 2
• Best Supporting Performer – Ben Starr, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Lead Performance Award – Jennifer English, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Lifetime Achievement – The Sims
• Best PC Game – Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
• Critics' Choice – Donkey Kong Bananza
• Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
• Ultimate Game of the Year – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

For those who missed the full ceremony, the awards ceremony can be viewed via video below.