The 43rd annual Golden Joystick Awards were hosted on Thursday, and with a remarkable performance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned the biggest winner. The breakout role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive won the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award, along with accolades for Best Storytelling and Best Visual Design.
Enhancing the developer's triumph, its skilled performers also were honored with personal awards. Jennifer English was named Top Lead Actor for her role as Maelle, while Ben Starr took home Supporting Performance Award for his role as Verso. Moreover, Sandfall Interactive itself received Top Studio. Overall, Clair Obscur and its makers collected seven awards throughout the event.
Other standout winners featured Ghost of Yōtei, which won Best Audio Design and Best Console Game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, receiving Top Self-Published Indie and PC Game of the Year. Notably, the majority of Golden Joystick Awards are selected by the gamers, with only 4 categories—Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough, Hall of Fame inductee, and Streamers' Favorite—decided by reviewers.
Below is the complete list of award recipients from the Golden Joystick Awards 2025:
If you who missed the actual ceremony, the awards ceremony is available to watch online below.