Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Headlines Landmark Night for Industry’s Biggest Celebration

The Game Awards 2025 delivered one of its most memorable ceremonies yet, with surprise reveals, emotional speeches and a competitive slate of nominees across genres. Among the evening’s standout moments was the unprecedented success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a stylish turn-based RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive that captured global attention early in the year.

As anticipation built throughout the night, Expedition 33 emerged as the clear favourite. When the final envelope opened, it confirmed the game’s extraordinary run: Game of the Year and eight additional awards.

The achievement marks one of the strongest outings for a debut title in TGA history and solidifies Sandfall Interactive’s arrival as a major creative force.

A Historic Sweep for a New IP

The game entered the ceremony with a record number of nominations, reflecting both its critical acclaim and the enthusiasm of its growing fanbase. By the end of the show, the game had accumulated nine awards across artistic, narrative, and technical categories.

Its success resonated beyond the victory count. The game’s blend of active turn-based combat, evocative art direction, and emotionally charged world-building has revitalised global interest in the turn-based RPG genre. For a studio releasing its first title, the performance at The Game Awards 2025 marks a creative milestone that will shape the game’s legacy and influence the genre for years to come.