Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Shatters Records at Game Awards

The French JRPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has achieved a historic milestone by securing a record-breaking twelve nominations at the upcoming 2025 Game Awards. This remarkable achievement has left the developer, Sandfall Interactive, both astonished and thrilled. The announcement was made by Geoff Keighley, the host and producer of the Game Awards, who shared a graphic on social media detailing the most-nominated titles for this year’s event.

Among the other contenders, the two-player co-op adventure Split Fiction received four nominations, while the highly anticipated platformer Hollow Knight: Silksong garnered five. The Olympic-themed roguelike Hades 2 secured six nominations, and sequels Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yotei each received seven. In a significant achievement, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as the most-nominated game in the history of the Game Awards.

The game is in the running for several prominent awards, including the coveted Game of the Year title, alongside major categories such as Best Narrative and Best Art Direction. There is also ongoing debate regarding its nominations for Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game. While it is classified as a debut title, some critics argue that its reliance on outsourced developers and a substantial budget places it in a more advanced category than typical indie games.

Sandfall Interactive expressed their gratitude for the recognition. In a heartfelt message on social media, they stated, “What a privilege to be nominated, not only for 2025 Game of the Year, but also TWELVE??!! TOTAL NOMINATIONS. There are so many deserving, precious games from this year, and to be nominated among them makes us SO SO very whee. THANK YOU!!”

The excitement surrounding Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is palpable, especially as the gaming community anticipates the outcomes of the prestigious awards ceremony. The Game Awards will take place on December 7, 2025, and fans are eager to see how this record-breaking title will fare against its competitors.

Adding to the conversation, composer Austin Wintory, known for his work on Assassin’s Creed and Journey, remarked that he would “happily trade places” with the RPG, expressing his admiration for its achievements despite receiving no nominations at the 2026 Grammys.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the recognition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 not only highlights its artistic and narrative achievements but also sets a new standard for future indie and debut games. The anticipation builds as the awards night approaches, promising a celebration of creativity and innovation in the gaming world.