Golden Joystick Awards 2025: Complete Recap and Winners

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: dominated the awards, winning Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Soundtrack, Studio of the Year, Best Lead Performer (Jennifer English), and Best Supporting Performer (Ben Starr). Why this matters: This indie title's widespread recognition highlights the growing influence and quality of independent game development.

Grand Theft Auto VI: won Most Wanted Game and Best Game Trailer. Why this matters: This indicates the immense anticipation for the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series.

Hollow Knight: Silksong: secured Best Indie Game - Self-Published and PC Game of the Year. Why this matters: Despite its long development cycle, the game remains highly anticipated and critically acclaimed.

Ghost of Yotei: won Best Audio Design and Console Game of the Year. Why this matters: Showcases the importance of immersive audio and engaging console experiences.

Donkey Kong Bananza: was the Critics' Choice winner. Why this matters: Highlights a title favored by industry experts for its quality and innovation.

Peak: took home Best Multiplayer Game and Streamers' Choice Award. Why this matters: This win underscores the growing importance of community-driven and streamer-approved games.

Ultimate Game of the Year:: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Most Wanted Game:: Grand Theft Auto VI

Critics' Choice:: Donkey Kong Bananza

Console Game of the Year:: Ghost of Yotei

PC Game of the Year:: Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Lead Performer:: Jennifer English (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)

Best Supporting Performer:: Ben Starr (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)

A trailer for *DriversMustDie*, a mystery racing game, was revealed and will be fully showcased at the PC Gaming Show on December 4.

*Brightfall*, an open-world survival game, is coming in 2026.

New trailers were also shown for *Death Howl*, *Canyons*, *The Expanse: Osiris Reborn*, and *Vaultbreakers*.

A:: The dominance of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, the anticipation for *Grand Theft Auto VI*, and the recognition of enduring titles like *Minecraft* and *Pokemon Go*.

A:: Maggie Robertson, known for her role as Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village.

A:: *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*.

A:: A mystery racing game set to be revealed at the PC Gaming Show on December 4.

Indie games are increasingly recognized for their innovative storytelling and visual design.

Established franchises continue to generate significant excitement and anticipation.

Live service games maintain a strong presence in the gaming landscape.

Performance and character portrayal are highly valued, as evidenced by the awards for Best Lead and Supporting Performers.