Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has secured its place in gaming history by winning the coveted Game of the Year award at this year's Game Awards. Developed in France, this role-playing game (RPG) triumphed in nine out of ten categories it was nominated for, including Best Narrative, Best Music, and Best Performance.
The game emerged victorious against stiff competition from notable titles such as Death Stranding 2, Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza, and indie favorites like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2. The accolades were presented during a vibrant ceremony held in Los Angeles, where attendees also got sneak peeks of upcoming titles from major franchises.
Set in a captivating world where a supernatural being called The Paintress restricts the population's growth, Clair Obscur tells the gripping tale of a group of adventurers on a mission to defeat this enigmatic entity. The game has been lauded for its emotional depth and traditional turn-based combat style.
Developer Sandfall Interactive, formed by ex-Ubisoft employees, won hearts with their compelling narrative and dedication to crafting this dream project. Upon accepting the Game of the Year award, director Guillaume Broche, donned in a beret and striped shirt symbolizing the game's French roots, expressed gratitude to his team while acknowledging the unique journey the studio experienced as they ventured into the gaming industry.
Musical talent Lorien Testard also took home the award for Best Score and Music. His journey to recognition began with self-released compositions shared via his SoundCloud, marking a significant milestone as it was his first project in the industry.
The ceremony, criticized in previous years for its balance between awards and commercial advertising, saw improvements this year, though developers voiced ongoing concerns about broader industry issues, such as job losses, and the absence of the Future Class initiative aimed at supporting emerging talent.
Despite missing out on just two awards—Best Audio Design and Best Multiplayer—Clair Obscur's record-winning streak has solidified its position as a hallmark of innovation and storytelling in gaming.
