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| Lune and Gustave in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. |
If you needed any more proof that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a defining title of 2025, look no further than the Game Developers Choice Awards. The game's triumphant award season run is showing no signs of slowing down, as it storms into the industry's most prestigious peer-based ceremony with a staggering eight nominations.
The nominations for the 26th annual GDC Awards were announced this morning, and Expedition 33 stands tall above the field. With only nine total categories, the game has secured a spot in nearly every single one, a testament to its comprehensive excellence.
A Near-Total Sweep of Categories
The groundbreaking RPG from developer Sandfall Interactive is nominated for:
- Best Audio
- Best Debut
- Best Design
- Innovation Award
- Best Narrative
- Best Technology
- Best Visual Art
- Game of the Year
The only category not featuring Expedition 33 is the Social Impact award. This sweep echoes the universal critical praise the game received upon launch, which highlighted its emotionally resonant storytelling, beautifully detailed world, and a revolutionary turn-based combat system that kept players on the edge of their seats.
The Ceremony and Distinguished Competition
The award ceremony is set for March 12, taking place during the GDC Festival of Gaming in San Francisco. For those looking to follow the event closely, you can find details on presenters and the live stream via the official GDC Awards ceremony page.
Expedition 33 leads a pack of other acclaimed titles from the past year. Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yotei followed with five nominations, while Blue Prince, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Split Fiction each earned four. In a surprising twist, the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong secured only a single nomination for Game of the Year, despite predictions of a broader showing.
A Verdict from Peers, Not Just Players
What sets the GDC Awards apart is its jury. Winners are chosen exclusively by the International Choice Awards Network (ICAN), a body comprised of game developers and creators from across the global industry. There is no public voting element. This means Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's dominance here represents the highest form of praise: recognition from the very peers who understand the craft, effort, and innovation required to build such an experience.
Whether it will convert these eight nominations into a haul of trophies remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has not just captured the hearts of players, but has earned the profound respect of the game development world itself. March 12 will reveal just how deep that respect goes.