On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK” discover the winners of The Game Awards 2025, where French indie gem Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated with a record nine wins—including Game of the Year—dethroning AAA titans like Death Stranding 2.
The Game Awards 2025
The Peacock Theater erupted in cheers last night as The Game Awards 2025 crowned Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 the undisputed champion, with the indie RPG securing a staggering nine awards—including Game of the Year—in a sweep that shattered records. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the ceremony celebrated innovation, storytelling, and sheer brilliance across gaming’s biggest titles. From French studio Sandfall Interactive’s Belle Époque-inspired masterpiece to esports dominators and family-friendly Nintendo hits, here’s the full breakdown of winners, why they shone, and what makes them must-plays.
Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Takes the Crown
In a David-vs-Goliath moment, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed Game of the Year, beating out behemoths like Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On the Beach—a post-apocalyptic Australian odyssey where Sam Porter Bridges reconnects humanity amid extinction threats—and the metroidvania gem Hollow Knight: Silksong, which finally launched on September 4 after years of anticipation.
This turn-based RPG follows Expedition 33’s survivors on a desperate quest to slay the enigmatic Paintress, a godlike artist who annually paints a number on a massive monolith—erasing everyone of that age or older from existence. Blending third-person exploration, strategic party combat with real-time parries, and a narrative rich in mortality and family lore, it earned 12 nominations and praise for its emotional depth and painterly art style inspired by early 20th-century France.
Clair Obscur’s Sweep: Dominating Direction, Narrative, Art, and More
The momentum didn’t stop. Clair Obscur also won Best Game Direction for its masterful fusion of JRPG tactics and cinematic flair; Best Narrative over Ghost of Yōtei—Sucker Punch’s brutal 1600s Japan revenge tale starring ronin Atsu—and horror revival Silent Hill f; Best Art Direction for its oil-painting visuals; Best Score and Music (Lorien Testard); Best Performance (Jennifer English as Maelle); Best Independent Game; Best Debut Indie Game; and Best RPG.
Its combat—rewarding precise timing in turn-based battles—and themes of loss resonated deeply, proving small teams (just 30 developers) can rival AAA giants.
Audio and Accessibility Innovators
Battlefield 6 exploded onto the scene with Best Audio Design, its thunderous destructible battlefields and pinpoint footsteps immersing players in chaos. Meanwhile, Doom: The Dark Ages revolutionized inclusivity, winning Innovation in Accessibility with adaptive controls and difficulty options that let everyone rip through demons in its medieval hellscape.
Impact, Ongoing, and Community Heroes
South of Midnight touched hearts with Games for Impact, weaving grief and Southern folklore into a magical journey of resilience. No Man’s Sky redeemed its legacy for Best Ongoing Game with endless procedural universes and updates, while Baldur’s Gate 3 earned Best Community Support for its devoted patches and mod scene.
Genre Spotlights: Action, Adventure, and Beyond
- Best Action Game: Hades II – Supergiant’s roguelike sequel amplified god-slaying combat with fresh boons and lore.
- Best Action/Adventure: Hollow Knight: Silksong – Hornet’s silk-weaving odyssey delivered precise platforming and epic bosses.
- Best Fighting Game: Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – SNK’s gritty revival with modernized mechanics.
- Best Family Game: Donkey Kong Bananza – Nintendo’s banana-bonkers platformer party.
- Best Sim/Strategy: Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles – Tactical grid battles reborn.
- Best Sports/Racing: Mario Kart World – Global tracks and chaotic power-ups.
- Best Multiplayer: Arc Raiders – Tense extraction shooter scavenging.
Mobile, VR, and Adaptations
Umamusume: Pretty Derby galloped to Best Mobile Game with horse-girl racing and idol vibes. The Midnight Walk won Best VR/AR for dreamlike mixed-reality puzzles. The Last of Us: Season 2 took Best Adaptation for its faithful HBO expansion.
Hype, Creators, and Esports Glory
Grand Theft Auto VI was Most Anticipated for its Vice City crime saga. MoistCr1TiKaL claimed Content Creator of the Year. Esports crowned Counter-Strike 2 (Best Game), Chovy (Jeong Ji-Hoon) (Best Athlete), and Team Vitality (Best Team). Wuthering Waves won Players’ Voice.
Clair Obscur’s victory signals indies’ rising power—grab it now and join the expedition!
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