Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was one of the year's most talked-about video games. Credit: Sandfall Interactive
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become the standout contender at this year’s Game Awards. The French-made RPG leads with 12 nominations, placing it firmly at the center of global gaming conversations.
A Strong Lineup for Game of the Year
The Game of the Year race is stacked with major titles. Clair Obscur faces tough competition from Death Stranding 2, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. All nominees will go head-to-head on December 11 in Los Angeles.
Organizers expect record viewership again. Last year, the show drew 154 million livestreams as Astro Bot claimed the top prize.
What Makes the Game Awards a Big Deal
Often called the “Oscars of gaming,” the annual ceremony is hosted by founder Geoff Keighley. The show spans nearly three hours and blends award segments with live music, celebrity appearances, and a heavy dose of world premieres. Viewers tune in as much for the announcements as for the actual awards.In 2024, fans got first looks at The Witcher 4, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
The Story Behind Clair Obscur’s Breakout Success
Clair Obscur was crafted by a small core team of around 30 developers at Sandfall Interactive in Montpellier. Inspired by classic turn-based RPGs, the game won over critics with its cinematic storytelling, complex battles, and standout performances.Actors Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, and Jennifer English all earned nominations for best performance. The title is also in the running for best narrative and best independent game — a point that has sparked debate due to its global support network and backing from publisher Kepler Interactive.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 tells a tale set in Medieval Europe
Sony Titles Make a Strong Showing
Sony secured two major contenders this year. Death Stranding 2 earned eight nominations, including Best Narrative, though none of its star-studded cast is up for acting awards.
Ghost of Yōtei, another PS5-exclusive, also secured eight nods. Lead actor Erika Ishii is among those competing for best performance.
Indies Hold Their Ground
Smaller studios continue to shine in 2025. Silksong and Hades 2, both sequels built by compact teams, stand alongside big-budget blockbusters in the Game of the Year category. Silksong’s release triggered massive demand, crashing online stores.
Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza and medieval epic Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 round out the shortlist.Meanwhile, Hazelight’s Split Fiction — a follow-up to the acclaimed It Takes Two — surprisingly missed a nomination. Acclaimed mystery game Blue Prince earned only an indie category nod, despite high review scores.
Hollow Knight: Silksong has been described as "the GTA of indie games" due to its long development and fevered fan anticipation. Team Cherry
Mounting Criticism Surrounding the Awards
The Game Awards has weathered criticism for years. Many developers feel the show prioritizes advertising over recognition, often cutting short speeches or skipping certain presentations.
Efforts in 2024 helped ease some concerns, but industry voices continue calling for more transparency and acknowledgment of widespread layoffs.
Future Class Controversy
This year also marks the end of the Future Class initiative, launched in 2020 to spotlight rising talent. After skipping 2024, the program was confirmed discontinued, prompting frustration from past members who accused the awards of tokenism.
In 2023, Future Class participants urged organizers to address the Israel-Gaza conflict, adding more pressure to the institution.
Last year, the Game Awards introduced its “game changer” award, which went to Amir Satvat for helping unemployed developers find work.
