Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been hailed as the game of the year at this year's Game Awards, dominating the event with nine wins in ten categories, including best narrative, best music, and best performance.
The French-developed RPG outperformed competitors such as Death Stranding 2 and Donkey Kong Bananza, sealing its place in gaming history. During the awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, fans also caught glimpses of upcoming titles like two new Tomb Raider games and a sequel to Control.
Set in a universe governed by a supernatural entity known as The Paintress, Clair Obscur tells the compelling story of adventurers on a mission to confront this being. Its blend of emotional storytelling and traditional turn-based combat has resonated well with players and critics alike.
Developer Sandfall Interactive, a new studio formed by former Ubisoft employees, was celebrated for their passion in creating Clair Obscur. Accepting the award, director Guillaume Broche expressed gratitude to his team and humorously credited YouTube tutorials for their guidance in game development.
As the most nominated game in the awards' history with a total of 12 nominations, Clair Obscur also garnered accolades for music, with composer Lorien Testard winning best score, while actress Jennifer English earned best performance for her role as Maelle.
Despite its success, Clair Obscur missed out on two awards: Battlefield 6 took home best audio design, and Wuthering Waves won the Player's Voice award. The evening, often referred to as the 'Oscars of gaming,' not only celebrated award winners but also showcased trailers and upcoming releases from major developers, fueling excitement for fans and gamers alike.
The Game Awards has previously faced criticism for prioritizing commercial interests over awards. However, this year's show attempted to address such concerns, although some developers have called for greater acknowledgment of industry issues, including job losses and the discontinuation of initiatives like the Future Class program.
For a complete list of winners, visit The Game Awards website.
