Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Breaks Historic Game Awards Record

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already making history at The Game Awards 2025, setting a massive new nomination record before the ceremony even goes live this December. From the moment it launched, the title captured the attention of players worldwide, praised for its powerful gameplay, outstanding performances, visual excellence, striking musical score, and a deeply emotional narrative. When it released in April, many fans immediately claimed it was a Game of the Year contender.

Today, on November 17, that early confidence has only grown. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is officially nominated for Game of the Year, and a large portion of the community believes it will emerge victorious regardless of the competition. Its GOTY competitors include:

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Hades 2
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

While each contender has earned its place, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is dominating the field with a groundbreaking achievement.

🔥 New All-Time Record: 12 Total Nominations

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been nominated in 10 separate categories and has earned 12 total nominations, making it the most-nominated title in the history of The Game Awards. The categories are:

• Game of the Year
• Best Game Direction
• Best Narrative
• Best Art Direction
• Best Score & Music
• Best Audio Design
• Best Performance (three nominations out of six total)
• Best Independent Game
• Best Debut Indie Game
• Best RPG

Even more impressive is the fact that the game secured three nominations in a single category, for Best Performance — something that has never happened before in TGA history 🎭.

The nominated actors are:

• Ben Starr as Verso
• Charlie Cox as Gustave
• Jennifer English as Maelle

Notably, Ben Starr was also nominated at TGA 2023 for his role as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI, marking another milestone in his award history.

📊 How This Record Compares to Previous TGA Giants

Over the years, many acclaimed games have earned multiple nominations at The Game Awards. Some notable examples include:

Until now, The Last of Us Part II held the record with 11 nominations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has now surpassed that milestone, officially becoming the most-nominated title in TGA history.

Given that many of the most-nominated games have gone on to win Game of the Year, this trend strongly favors Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

🌟 A Strong Sign for a Potential GOTY Victory

With overwhelming praise from critics, exceptional community reception, and now a historic awards milestone, the path appears clear for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to potentially secure the 2025 Game of the Year title.

Beyond its technical achievements, the widespread recognition of its cast — including Gustave, Verso, and Maelle — emphasizes that its impact is not limited to visuals or mechanics, but defined by powerful character performances that elevate the entire experience 🎬.