In a night packed with celebration for 2025’s standout titles, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as the undisputed champion at the 15th annual New York Game Awards. The turn-based RPG from French indie darlings Sandfall Interactive not only snagged the coveted Game of the Year honor but also picked up Best Performance for Jennifer English’s captivating portrayal of Maelle, the game’s resilient protagonist.
The awards, hosted amid the glitz of New York City’s gaming scene, highlighted a diverse slate of winners that spanned indie gems, blockbuster sequels, and innovative experiments. Sandfall’s debut effort stood out for its painterly art style, strategic combat blending real-time elements with classic JRPG vibes, and a narrative that wove themes of loss and redemption into a mesmerizing adventure. Critics and players alike have praised it as a breath of fresh air in a year dominated by open-world epics, proving that thoughtful storytelling and polished mechanics can still rule the roost.
English’s win for Maelle adds another layer of acclaim — her voice work brought depth to a character navigating a world cursed by an annual “Painted Death” that erases people based on their age. It’s a performance that’s already sparked cosplay waves and fan theories galore. But Expedition 33 wasn’t the only star. Here’s the full rundown of winners, showcasing the breadth of 2025’s gaming landscape:
- Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Best Indie Game: Blue Prince
- Best Performance: Jennifer English as Maelle (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
- Best Narrative: Blippo+
- Best World Design: Hades 2
- Best Music: South of Midnight
- Best New York Game: Ball x Pit
- Best VR/AR Game: Lumines Arise
- Best Game for Kids: Donkey Kong Bananza
- Best Mobile Game: Is This Seat Taken?
- Best Remake: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Best Hidden Gem: News Tower
- Best DLC: Lies of P: Overture
Standouts like Hades 2’s realms and South of Midnight’s haunting soundtrack underscore a year where creativity flourished across genres. Donkey Kong Bananza charmed families with its banana-fueled antics, while Oblivion Remastered revived Tamriel’s quirky magic for a new audience. For Sandfall Interactive, this caps a whirlwind journey — their first major release has already sold millions and earned rave reviews for its emotional punch and innovative boss fights. With whispers of DLC on the horizon, Expedition 33 might just kick off a franchise. As the awards wrap, it’s clear 2025 was a banner year for innovation.
