The Golden Joystick Awards 2025, held on 20 November 2025, brought together gamers and industry insiders for a night of celebration and surprises. This year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the ceremony, taking home multiple awards, while indie gems, legacy franchises, and anticipated titles all made their mark.
Key Winners at the Golden Joystick Awards 2025
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Studio of the Year | Sandfall Interactive |
| Best Storytelling | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Visual Design | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Soundtrack | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Lead Performer | Jennifer English (Maelle, Clair Obscur) |
| Best Supporting Performer | Ben Starr (Verso, Clair Obscur) |
| Best Audio Design | Ghost of Yōtei |
| Console Game of the Year | Ghost of Yōtei |
| PC Game of the Year | Hollow Knight: Silksong |
| Best Indie Game (Self-Published) | Hollow Knight: Silksong |
| Best Indie Game | Blue Prince |
| Best Game Expansion | Lies of P: Overture |
| Best Game Trailer | Grand Theft Auto VI – Trailer 2 |
| Best Gaming Hardware | AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
| Breakthrough Award | Schedule I |
| Best Game Adaptation | Arcane – Season 2 |
| Most Wanted Game | Grand Theft Auto VI |
| Still Playing – Mobile | Pokémon GO |
| Still Playing – Console & PC | Minecraft |
| Streamers’ Choice | Peak |
| Best Early Access Game | R.E.P.O. |
| Critics’ Choice Award | Donkey Kong Bananza |
| Hall of Fame | The Sims |
Why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Dominated
- Record-Tying Sweep: Claimed seven awards, matching Golden Joystick records.
- All-Nominated Win: Won every category it was nominated in.
- Indie Breakout: Showcases how indie studios like Sandfall Interactive can take centre stage.
- Strong Performances: Lead and supporting acting awards went to Jennifer English and Ben Starr.
Other Standout Moments
- Ghost of Yōtei: Won Best Audio Design and Console Game of the Year.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: Took PC Game of the Year and Best Indie Game – Self-Published.
- Blue Prince: Won Best Indie Game.
- GTA VI Hype: Snagged Most Wanted Game and Best Game Trailer.
- Legacy Wins: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered won Best Remake/Remaster.
- Hall of Fame: The Sims was inducted for its lasting influence.
What This Means for Gaming in 2025
- Indie Studios Have Power: Public votes put an indie studio at the top.
- Narrative Still Matters: Expedition 33 winning storytelling, performance, and design shows gamers value deep narratives.
- Hype Never Dies: GTA VI continues to dominate buzz before release.
- Old vs New: Minecraft, Pokémon GO, and remasters like Oblivion show the power of legacy titles.
- Community Vote = Real Impact: Golden Joystick Awards reflect what actual gamers love and play.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 were defined by passion, community, and surprises. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the night, showing that powerful games can come from indie studios. From legacy franchises to hype-heavy titles, the awards highlight the diversity and creativity of gaming in 2025.
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