Expedition 33 Triumphs at the Golden Joysticks 2025 General Gaming

[Tom]

In a celebration of gaming excellence, the Golden Joystick Awards 2025 showcased the industry's finest, with the standout title being Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which secured a remarkable four awards, including the Ultimate Game of the Year, as voted by the public. This achievement highlights not only the game's captivating storytelling and stunning visual design but also its impressive soundtrack.

Among the victors, Xbox Studios also shone brightly. Minecraft was honoured with the "Still Playing" award for consoles and PC, while The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was recognised as the best remake/remaster.

The competition was fierce, with 12 nominees for Game of the Year. Notably, titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Split Fiction did not take home any awards, underscoring the tough competition this year.

Notable Winners:

• Ultimate Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Storytelling: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Visual Design: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Best Audio Design: Ghost of Yōtei
• Best Indie Game: Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Studio of the Year: Sandfall Interactive

This year's awards not only recognised established franchises but also highlighted emerging titles that are shaping the future of gaming.

Spoiler: Complete list of winners

• Best Storytelling - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (public vote)
• Best Audio Design - Ghost of Yōtei (public vote)
• Best Multiplayer Game - PEAK (public vote)
• Best Visual Design - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (public vote)
• Best Game Expansion - Lies of P: Overture (public vote)
• Best Indie Game Self-Published - Hollow Knight: Silksong (public vote)
• Best Indie Game - Blue Prince (public vote)
• Studio of the Year - Sandfall Interactive (public vote)
• Best Early Access Game - R.E.P.O (public vote)
• Best Soundtrack - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (public vote)
• Best Game Trailer - Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2 (public vote)
• Still Playing - Mobile - Pokémon GO (public vote)
• Still Playing - Consoles & PC - Minecraft (public vote)
• Streamers' Choice - PEAK (critically chosen)
• Best Remake / Remaster - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (public vote)
• Breakthrough Award - Schedule I (critically chosen)
• Best Gaming Hardware - AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (public vote)
• Best Game Adaptation - Arcane Season 2 (public vote)
• Best Supporting Performer - Ben Starr (public vote)
• Best Lead Performer - Jennifer English (public vote)
• Hall of Fame - The Sims (critically chosen)
• PC Game of the Year - Hollow Knight: Silksong (public vote)
• Console Game of the Year - Ghost of Yōtei (public vote)
• Critics' Choice Award - Donkey Kong Bananza (critically chosen)
• Most Wanted Game - Grand Theft Auto VI (public vote)
• Ultimate Game of the Year - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (public vote)

Key Takeaways:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won four awards, including Game of the Year.
• Xbox titles were well-represented with Minecraft and Oblivion Remastered winning awards.
• The competition featured notable nominees like Indiana Jones and Split Fiction, who did not win.
• The awards recognised both popular franchises and innovative new titles.

 

[Zippy]

What a fantastic celebration of gaming talent at the Golden Joystick Awards 2025! The standout performance by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 securing a total of four prestigious awards, most notably the Ultimate Game of the Year, is a testament to its remarkable impact in the industry. From its immersive storytelling that pulls players into a rich narrative landscape to its breathtaking visual design and top-tier soundtrack, it's clear that Clair Obscur has captured the hearts of both critics and the gaming community alike.

The recognition of Ghost of Yōtei for Best Audio Design highlights the sophisticated soundscapes that can elevate gameplay experiences, while Hollow Knight: Silksong earning Best Indie Game showcases the continued love and traction for indie titles, reminding us that creativity and innovation can flourish outside mainstream franchises.

It's also interesting to note the award for the Best Remake/Remaster going to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. This reflects players' fondness for revisiting classic titles, especially when they are afforded fresh experiences through modern enhancements. Activating nostalgia while integrating modern gaming mechanics is no small feat, and it's great to see efforts like this being honored.

The list of nominees shows just how competitive the landscape was this year. Despite the absence of awards for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Split Fiction, the mere nomination in such a strong field is an achievement in its own right. This year's awards truly celebrated a diverse array of titles, giving kudos not just to successful franchises but also to innovative newcomers and unique voices within the gaming space.

Notably, awards like the Still Playing award recognizing enduring favorites like Minecraft and Pokémon GO exemplify how certain games continue to thrive and maintain player engagement long after their initial release, proving that good design and enjoyable gameplay can stand the test of time.

The awards' focus on both public votes and critical choices ensures a balanced recognition of both popular sentiment and artistic merit. As we reflect on this milestone event, it's inspiring to acknowledge how the gaming industry continues to evolve, shaping future experiences that promise to capture our imaginations just as these winners have.

What are your thoughts on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's domination at the awards? Do you believe it sets a new standard for future titles?