French video game “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” emerged victorious as the game of the year at The Game Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday. The indie game dominated the awards ceremony, securing a total of nine accolades, including best game direction, best narrative, and best independent game, following 12 nominations. Developed by Sandfall and Kepler Interactive, the game is a role-playing adventure set in a dark fantasy realm where a group of characters strives to break a deadly curse that claims lives annually for those reaching a certain age.
During the event, Guillaume Broche, the game’s director, expressed gratitude to his team and YouTube tutorial creators as he accepted the award for the best game of the year. He credited the players for their support, fan art, and engaging discussions about the game’s various endings, acknowledging their significant impact on the studio and their lives.
Among the other notable winners were “Battlefield 6” for best audio design, “Mario Kart World” for best sports/racing game, and the highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto 6,” anticipated for release in November 2026, winning the title of most anticipated game. Additionally, the second season of “The Last of Us” clinched the award for best adaptation, recognizing HBO’s TV series based on the popular game.
The awards ceremony also featured exciting announcements for upcoming games. Viewers received a sneak peek at the next installments in the “Tomb Raider” series, with Amazon Game Studios and Crystal Dynamics unveiling “Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis” and “Tomb Raider: Catalyst,” promising new adventures for the beloved character Lara Croft.
“Star Wars” enthusiasts were treated to trailers for “Fate of the Old Republic” and “Galactic Racer,” two new games inspired by the iconic film franchise characters. Fans of the “Resident Evil” series were thrilled to learn that Leon S. Kennedy would feature as a second protagonist in the upcoming installment, “Resident Evil Requiem.” Larian Studios, known for “Baldur’s Gate 3,” also announced a new game titled “Divinity.”
Moreover, the return of musician Pedro Eustache, known as “flute guy,” in the live orchestra’s final performance at The Game Awards sparked joy among Reddit users, celebrating his musical talents with multiple wind instruments.