There are moments in gaming when an underdog rises and simply owns the night. That’s exactly what happened with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. A title that many expected good things from, but few anticipated would dominate every category it was nominated in at the Golden Joystick Awards.
When the winners rolled in, it wasn’t just a few wins. Clair Obscur took home seven awards — including the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Soundtrack, Best Lead Performer (Jennifer English as Maelle), Best Supporting Performer (Ben Starr as Verso), and Studio of the Year for Sandfall Interactive. Wccftech+2PC Gamer+2
What makes this sweep especially thrilling: Clair Obscur won in every category it was nominated for. No misses. That kind of clean win is rare. Wccftech+1 And with this haul, it tied the record previously set by Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023 for most Golden Joystick wins by a game. GamesRadar++1
Why does this matter?
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Independent story-driven RPGs are having a moment. Clair Obscur isn’t a massive AAA franchise — it’s a project with heart, vision and boldness. Its success shows that players reward creativity, strong narrative and art-direction as much as big budgets.
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Recognition for the team behind it. Sandfall Interactive, a younger studio compared to many industry giants, earned the Studio of the Year award. That speaks volumes about their craftsmanship and the faith the community placed in them.
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Performance awards too. It wasn’t just the game as a whole—it also honored voice actors Jennifer English and Ben Starr for their roles. That elevates the whole experience beyond mechanics and visuals into emotional impact.
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Sets a new benchmark. For a debut (or near-debut) game to sweep like this, it raises the bar for what “indie meets big ambition” can achieve in gaming.
My personal take
Watching this unfold, I felt excited—not just because Clair Obscur won (which, of course, is awesome), but because it felt like a shift. A reminder that storytelling, artistic vision, and soul matter. That games aren’t just about spectacle, but also about crafting experiences that resonate.
If you haven’t played it yet, this is your signal. Whether you’re a narrative-heavy player, an art-lover, or just someone looking for a game that does everything right in its lane—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one to check out. And if you have played it, this win might just be the validation you’ve been hoping for.
Closing note
Congratulations to Sandfall Interactive and everyone involved in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. You’ve not only won awards—you’ve earned the respect of players, critics and peers alike. Here’s to the next chapter.
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