3 min read
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is making history even before The Game Awards 2025 go live in December. The indie hit has shattered a major milestone, becoming the most-nominated game in the event’s history.
The game launched in April this year and won fans instantly. Its powerful story, great gameplay, high-end visuals, strong music choices, and outstanding performances helped it stand out. Many players called it a Game of the Year contender on day one. Now, that prediction seems closer than ever.
Clair Obscur Sets a New Game Awards Record
As of November 17, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received 12 total nominations across 10 categories. This is the highest number of nominations any game has ever earned at The Game Awards.
The nominations include:
- Game of the Year
- Best Game Direction
- Best Narrative
- Best Art Direction
- Best Score and Music
- Best Audio Design
- Best Performance (three nominations)
- Best Independent Game
- Best Debut Indie Game
- Best RPG
The Best Performance category is especially historic. Clair Obscur earned three nominations here, a first for any game. Ben Starr (Verso), Charlie Cox (Gustave), and Jennifer English (Maelle) all made the shortlist. Interestingly, Ben Starr was also nominated in 2023 for his role as “Clive Rosfield” in Final Fantasy 16.
A Strong GOTY Favourite
This year’s GOTY lineup is packed with big names. The competing titles are Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Each game has its strengths. However, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is currently sweeping the field with its unmatched number of nominations.
History also supports its chances. Games with the most nominations often win GOTY. Examples include:
- Astro Bot (TGA 2024): 7 nominations, GOTY winner
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (TGA 2023): 9 nominations, GOTY winner
- Elden Ring (TGA 2022): 5 nominations, GOTY winner
- The Last of Us Part II (TGA 2020): 11 nominations, GOTY winner
- God of War (TGA 2018): 8 nominations, GOTY winner
Until now, The Last of Us Part II held the all-time record with 11 nominations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has now surpassed it.
A Milestone for Indie Games
The game’s success highlights how far indie titles have come. Its standout performances, especially from Charlie Cox, Ben Starr, and Jennifer English, contribute heavily to its praise. Each performance elevates the story and enhances the emotional impact, helping the game reach its current level of acclaim.
With 12 nominations and strong community support, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 enters December as the clear favourite. Its achievements reflect not just technical excellence but also a creative vision that resonated deeply with players. The Game Awards 2025 could soon confirm what fans have been saying since April. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might truly be the Game of the Year.
