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| Image from the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. |
LOS ANGELES – The Game Awards 2025 ceremony, held last night, was a night of triumph for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which took home the coveted Game of the Year award and surprised fans with an announcement of new free content. But behind the glittering trophies and celebratory reveals, a storm of controversy was brewing, spearheaded by the embittered team behind one of the year’s other top contenders: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
The acclaimed historical RPG, praised for its immersive realism, deep narrative, and stunning visuals, was widely considered a frontrunner for the top prize. Its loss to the stylish and innovative Clair Obscur has sparked a very public—and surprisingly salty—reaction from the Warhorse Studios camp.
We have officially been robbed! pic.twitter.com/2puDq1VR84
— Sir Tobi ⚔🛡 (@SirTobi28) December 12, 2025
A "Robbed" Feeling Goes Public
The discontent moved from backstage whispers to the main stage of social media shortly after the ceremony. Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, Communications Director for Warhorse Studios, took to X with a clear message. He posted an image of a Game Awards trophy captioned simply, “When you get robbed…” The implication was impossible to miss.
The official Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 account soon amplified the sentiment, sharing the now-infamous “This is Fine” meme—the image of a dog sipping coffee in a room engulfed in flames. The collective message from the developers was one of sardonic resignation, suggesting they were watching their hopes burn down around them while trying to maintain a facade.
— Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (@KingdomComeRPG) December 12, 2025
Community Backlash: Calls of "Unprofessional" and "Disrespectful"
While many fans rallied in sympathy with the developers, the public display of grievance did not sit well with everyone. Critics were quick to label the reaction as sour grapes, arguing it undermined the spirit of the event and disrespected the winners.
One prominent voice, user @reddrakonmo, replied critically: "This is unprofessional, immature, and incredibly disrespectful to your peers in the gaming industry who rightfully worked hard for their awards and success. Maybe if you even remotely tried being a 'team player' in the industry, the 'team' would recognize you more often.”
The debate raged across forums and social platforms, splitting the gaming community. Some saw it as harmless, relatable frustration from passionate creators, while others viewed it as a bad look for a major studio.
Behind the Scenes: A Different Story Emerges
However, the narrative of bitter rivalry may be overstated. Even as the online drama unfolded, other images surfaced showing members from both Warhorse Studios and the Clair Obscur development team, Sandfall Interactive, celebrating together at after-parties. The pictures, filled with genuine smiles and camaraderie, suggest the public friction may have been more tongue-in-cheek than a genuine declaration of war.
This duality highlights the complex nature of such high-stakes industry awards. While public faces may project competitive frustration, the reality behind the curtain is often one of mutual respect and shared celebration of the year’s achievements.
Fortune favours those who come after! ⚔️🥖 pic.twitter.com/WgMBaAwX0q
— Sir Tobi ⚔🛡 (@SirTobi28) December 12, 2025
Analysis: A Tale of Two Masterpieces
Analytically, the clash represents a choice between two different pinnacles of game design in 2025. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a masterpiece of historical simulation and gritty, systemic realism—a hardcore experience that doubled down on what made its predecessor a cult classic.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, meanwhile, captured hearts with its breathtaking art direction, emotionally charged narrative, and innovative, stylish combat. Its victory signals the awards’ leaning toward a more accessible, yet deeply artistic and forward-thinking experience.
Ultimately, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s developers may feel the trophy was within their grasp, the Game Awards 2025 will be remembered not just for Clair Obscur’s victory, but for the fiery, meme-fueled debate it ignited about competition, sportsmanship, and the passion that drives the industry’s best creators.