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December 12, 2025 – The Game Awards 2025 delivered another epic night of celebration, surprises, and record-breaking wins. French studio Sandfall Interactive's debut title Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated with a historic 9 awards, including Game of the Year. Here's your full recap.

Show Highlights & Official Trailer

The show featured live performances, celebrity appearances, and world premieres – from Evanescence to new trailers for upcoming 2026 titles.

Game of the Year & Major Winners

  • Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Best Game Direction: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Best Narrative: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Best Independent Game & Debut Indie: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Best RPG: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Players' Voice: Wuthering Waves (fan-voted surprise)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sets a new record with 9 wins – the most in The Game Awards history.

Full Winners List

CategoryWinnerDeveloper
Game of the YearClair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive
Best Game DirectionClair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive
Best NarrativeClair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive
Best Art DirectionClair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive
Best Score & MusicClair Obscur: Expedition 33Lorien Testard
Best PerformanceJennifer English (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)Sandfall Interactive
Best Independent GameClair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive
Best Debut Indie GameClair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive
Best Action/AdventureHollow Knight: SilksongTeam Cherry
Best Action GameHades IISupergiant Games
Best Family GameDonkey Kong BananzaNintendo
Best Audio DesignBattlefield 6DICE/EA
Players' VoiceWuthering WavesKuro Games
Games for ImpactSouth of MidnightCompulsion Games

Biggest Winner Analysis: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The dark fantasy turn-based RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive swept 9 categories, breaking The Last of Us Part II's record (7 wins). Its Parisian-inspired world, emotional story, and innovative combat resonated with jury and fans alike.

A debut title winning GOTY and setting records – proof indie passion can dominate AAA.
Play the Winners at Gzmato Gaming Zone

Clair Obscur, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II & more – pre-order or buy now
Shop Award-Winning Games →

Data Sources & Methodology (as of Dec 12, 2025):

  • The Game Awards Official Website & Livestream
  • NPR, BBC, Polygon, GameSpot – winners coverage
  • IGN, Rappler – analysis & records
  • X/Twitter trends & community reactions