The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards took place on Thursday, and in a stunning display, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the title of the biggest winner. The breakout role-playing game by Sandfall Interactive earned the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with accolades for Outstanding Narrative and Excellence in Visuals.
Enhancing the developer's achievements, the skilled performers also received personal awards. Jennifer English received Top Lead Actor for her role as Maelle, while Ben Starr won Supporting Performance Award for his acting as Verso. Additionally, Sandfall Interactive the studio received Top Studio. Overall, Clair Obscur and its developers collected seven awards throughout the event.
Other notable winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which was awarded Outstanding Audio and Console Game of the Year, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, honored with Outstanding Independent Game and Premier PC Title. Worth mentioning, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are chosen by the gamers, with only 4 categories—Critics Choice, Rising Star, Lifetime Achievement, and Streamer Selection—determined by critics.
Here is the complete list of honorees from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
- Top Story – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Excellence in Sound – Ghost of Yōtei
- Top Multiplayer Title – Peak
- Top Visual Design – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Expansion – Lies of P: Overture
- Top Indie (Self-Published) – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Top Indie Title – Blue Prince
- Best Development Studio – Sandfall Interactive
- Best Early Access Game – REPO
- Top Score – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Trailer – Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2
- Mobile Game Still Played – Pokémon Go
- Still Playing (Console/PC) – Minecraft
- Streamers’ Choice – Peak
- Best Remake / Remaster – The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Rising Star 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
- Hall of Fame – The Sims
- PC Game of the Year – Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Console Game of the Year – Ghost of Yōtei
- Critics Pick – Donkey Kong Bananza
- Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto 6
- Ultimate Game – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
If you who missed the live ceremony, the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards can be viewed online below.
