The excitement in the gaming community ramps up as the end of the year approaches, with one event capturing the attention of gamers worldwide: The Game Awards (TGA). Hosted by the ever-enthusiastic Geoff Keighley, the TGA boasts an electric atmosphere where fans eagerly await to see if their favorite titles will take home prestigious awards, particularly the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) recognition. However, 2025 has already seen an early declaration of this title, courtesy of the Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025. While many might expect a frantic race toward TGA, one standout game has already made waves and is being lauded as the best of the year.
This remarkable game is none other than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive. Gamers and critics alike have been buzzing about its success, and more importantly, its deserving claim to the title of GOTY. The acclaim didn’t stop there; the game also won awards for Best RPG Game, Best PC/Console Game, and the Popular Vote category. With an impressive turnout of **206,159 attendees**, the significance of this award is significant and highlights the prestige associated with the event.
Winning GOTY is no small feat, and securing three additional awards on the same evening is a rare accomplishment that only a handful of titles can even hope to achieve. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 now stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Astro Bot, which also clinched four awards at the TGA in 2024, including the sought-after GOTY title. While the outcome for Sandfall Interactive’s debut title remains to be seen at this year’s TGA, its performance thus far indicates a strong potential for continued success.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be incredibly competitive, making Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s achievement all the more impressive. Notably, there are six games that have scored over 90 on Metacritic, earning the illustrious “Must Play” badge. These titles include Hades 2, Blue Prince, Split Fiction, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Donkey Kong Bananza. Each of these games has the potential to claim GOTY at different events. Additionally, this list does not even account for other strong contenders scoring just shy of 90, such as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, or games still scheduled for release later this year.
Game of the Year is a prestigious accolade within the gaming industry, often generating debate among fans about whether it reflects true merit or becomes a popularity contest, especially when determined by voting. Nonetheless, such a title undeniably underscores the exceptional qualities of a game. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has captured the admiration of gamers through its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and compelling narrative. Games that garner similar accolades tend to shine in these areas, but achieving excellence across all facets is the hallmark of a true GOTY contender.
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