The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as the Game Awards 2025 draws closer, and one title is clearly leading the conversation: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The critically acclaimed RPG has secured an impressive 12 nominations, the highest of any game this year, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in one of the most competitive award seasons in recent years.
With nominations across major categories — including the highly coveted Game of the Year, Best Performance (with three separate entries), and Best Narrative — Expedition 33 has become a symbol of the growing influence of artistic, story-driven adventures.
But this year’s awards are not just about one winning title. The ceremony brings together a powerful lineup of blockbuster releases, indie sensations, and sequels to fan-favorite franchises, each aiming to capture the spotlight at what many consider the “Oscars of the gaming industry.”
This comprehensive feature explores the nominees, controversies, expectations, and the evolving legacy of the Game Awards—offering everything fans need to know ahead of the big night on 11 December in Los Angeles, California.
What Makes the Game Awards So Influential?
The Game Awards have become the most significant annual event in video games, attracting developers, publishers, celebrities, content creators, and, of course, millions of global fans.
Founded and hosted by Geoff Keighley, the show is known for blending:
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Awards across 29 categories
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Live music and celebrity appearances
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Exclusive game announcements
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World premiere trailers
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Studio spotlights
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Developer recognition segments
The show consistently pulls massive global attention. In 2024, the Game Awards amassed over 154 million livestream views, setting records for both gaming and entertainment shows. The staggering reach has transformed it into an event that not only honors creativity but also shapes the future of the global gaming industry.
For many studios, a Game Awards nomination—or even a short clip shown during the broadcast—can dramatically boost visibility, sales, and brand momentum.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — The Story Behind This Year’s Most-Nominated Game
At the center of this year’s attention is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a title that seemingly came out of nowhere and took both critics and players by surprise. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, a France-based studio with a core team of about 30 members, the game delivers a fresh take on the traditional turn-based RPG format.
Why Expedition 33 Stands Out
The game’s emotional storyline, atmospheric world design, and cinematic combat drew immediate praise upon release. Critics highlighted:
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Its innovative battle system
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Deep character development
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Cinematic cutscenes
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A hauntingly beautiful soundtrack
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A narrative that blends fantasy, mystery, and philosophical themes
Three of the game’s actors—Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, and Jennifer English—received nominations for Best Performance. Their portrayals contributed heavily to the game’s emotional depth and immersive storytelling, elevating it beyond typical genre expectations.
The Indie Game Debate
One of the most talked-about elements is its nomination for Best Independent Game, which some industry commentators find controversial. Although Expedition 33 has the creative spirit of an indie title, the involvement of global outsourcing studios and the financial backing of publisher Kepler Interactive has raised questions about its eligibility in the indie category.
Still, there’s no denying its talent, craftsmanship, and impact.
Game of the Year 2025 — A Competition Packed With Blockbusters and Indie Legends
The Game of the Year (GOTY) lineup for 2025 is one of the most diverse in recent memory, showcasing a mix of big-budget productions, indie masterpieces, and long-awaited sequels. Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Genre: Turn-Based RPG
Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Platforms: Multi-platform
The most nominated game this year and a favorite heading into the ceremony. Its blend of emotional storytelling and traditional RPG elements has captivated audiences worldwide.
2. Death Stranding 2
Genre: Sci-Fi Action
Developer: Kojima Productions
Platform: PS5
Directed by legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, this sequel expands the universe and themes introduced in the original Death Stranding. The game earned 8 nominations; however, interestingly, none of its star-studded cast—including Norman Reedus—received acting nominations this time.
Despite that, the game is recognized for:
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Its world-building
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Narrative ambition
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Deep philosophical undertones
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Artistic visuals
3. Donkey Kong Bananza
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
One of the first major releases on the Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza delivers nostalgic charm with next-gen innovations. Fans praised its inventive level design, creative mechanics, and renewed focus on classic platforming.
4. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Genre: Action-Adventure / Metroidvania
Developer: Team Cherry
Platform: Multi-platform
Often referred to as the “GTA 6 of indie games” due to its intense hype and long development cycle, Silksong created a digital storm upon release. Multiple digital storefronts crashed due to overwhelming download requests.
Its fast-paced combat, deep exploration, and atmospheric design make it a genuine contender for Game of the Year.
5. Hades 2
Genre: Roguelike
Developer: Supergiant Games
Building on the success of one of the most celebrated games of the past decade, Hades 2 delivers enhanced combat, a richer storyline, and a continuation of the Greek mythological world. It stands among the strongest indie sequels ever released, proving again that small teams can produce world-class titles.
6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Genre: Medieval Action RPG
Developer: Warhorse Studios
The sequel to the critically praised first title, Deliverance 2 expands its medieval realism, immersive storytelling, and historically grounded environments. It brings back the authentic sword-fighting mechanics the franchise is known for, along with a deeper narrative arc.
The Biggest Snubs and Surprises of 2025
No Game Awards season is complete without its list of surprises and omissions. This year, two titles sparked particular conversation:
Split Fiction
Created by Hazelight Studios and directed by the energetic and outspoken Josef Fares, Split Fiction earned strong reviews. Yet it surprisingly failed to secure a Game of the Year nomination, despite being a narrative-rich successor to the GOTY-winning It Takes Two.
Blue Prince
A critically adored mystery-puzzle game that earned some of the highest review scores of the year, Blue Prince was only recognized in the Best Independent Game category. Fans expected it to appear in categories like Best Narrative or even GOTY.
Behind the Scenes: The Award Show’s Challenges and Criticisms
The Game Awards have always walked a delicate line between being a celebration of creativity and functioning as a high-profile marketing event. Over the past few years, viewers and developers have expressed several concerns, including:
1. Overemphasis on Advertising
Some fans feel the show is increasingly dominated by trailers, sponsorships, and promotional announcements, limiting the time dedicated to actual award winners.
2. Shortened Acceptance Speeches
Winning developers often get only a few seconds to speak before the music cuts them off—especially in smaller categories.
3. Limited On-Stage Award Announcements
Certain category winners are revealed quickly or during commercial breaks, which some believe diminishes recognition for those contributions.
4. Industry Issues Not Addressed Fully
The gaming industry has faced layoffs, closures, and worker rights issues in recent years. Some developers want the Game Awards to give more attention to these challenges.
5. Cancellation of the Future Class Initiative
Launched in 2020, the Future Class program aimed to highlight emerging talent. However, after being paused in 2023, it has not returned. Alumni criticized the decision, calling the initiative “tokenistic” and insufficient in offering real industry support.
Many also noted that the 2023 Future Class members published an open letter urging the Game Awards to address social issues, including the Israel–Gaza conflict—after which the program quietly disappeared.
Looking Back: The 2024 Game Awards Set New Standards
The previous year’s ceremony earned praise for taking steps to address earlier criticisms. Improvements included:
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Longer speech time
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More categories announced on stage
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Stronger focus on developers rather than marketing
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Acknowledgment of layoffs and challenges in the gaming workforce
The show also introduced the Game Changer Award, recognizing meaningful impact. The award went to Amir Satvat, who created resources that helped thousands of laid-off developers find employment.
What to Expect at the Game Awards 2025
With the bar raised higher each year, fans can expect:
1. New Game Announcements and Trailers
The Game Awards have historically premiered major reveals. Previous editions showcased early looks at:
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The Witcher 4
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Elden Ring: Nightreign
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Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
This year is expected to bring more surprises, possibly including next-gen titles, VR innovations, AAA expansions, and major indie releases.
2. Celebrity Appearances
Hollywood actors, musicians, directors, and digital creators often participate as presenters or performers.
3. Live Music Performances
Orchestral arrangements and live renditions of gaming soundtracks have become a signature element of the ceremony.
4. Developer Spotlights
These segments honor creators’ accomplishments and often share behind-the-scenes commentary.
A Landmark Year for Gaming Excellence
With a diverse lineup of nominees and a growing global audience, the Game Awards 2025 promises to be a thrilling reflection of how far gaming has evolved. Whether Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sweeps the ceremony or another contender steals the spotlight, this year’s event stands as a celebration of creativity, innovation, and storytelling in interactive entertainment.
The industry’s challenges and controversies may cast occasional shadows, but the heart of the event remains dedicated to honoring the passion, artistry, and hard work of developers around the world.
As fans eagerly await the winners, one thing is certain:
2025 has been one of the strongest and most competitive years in modern gaming history.
