The game awards winners list delivered one of the most memorable nights in gaming, especially because Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the event with nine major wins, including the top honor of Game of the Year. Moreover, the ceremony surprised fans with new game announcements, celebrity appearances, and emotional acceptance speeches. Although competition from titles like Death Stranding 2 and Hades II was strong, Clair Obscur’s emotional storytelling and striking art direction clearly won the hearts of players and critics.
Hideo Kojima’s reaction to losing Best Direction at The Game Awards to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 😠pic.twitter.com/riuekI3CNy
— Beebom Gaming (@beebomgaming) December 12, 2025
Additionally, the French RPG impressed audiences with its unique world, where a supernatural force called The Paintress restricts human aging. The developers, many of whom left Ubisoft to create their dream project, received standing ovations throughout the night. Furthermore, the game’s composer Lorien Testard, discovered through SoundCloud, won Best Score and Music for his powerful debut. Actress Jennifer English also earned the Best Performance award, giving a heartfelt message to neurodivergent fans.
Meanwhile, other categories saw varied and exciting results. Battlefield 6 earned Best Audio Design, and Hollow Knight: Silksong won Best Action-Adventure. Umamusume: Pretty Derby surprised many by taking Best Mobile Game, while Donkey Kong Bananza captured the Family Game category. Moreover, Hades II secured Best Action Game, continuing the series’ strong reputation.
The event also delivered major announcements. Fans saw teasers for new Tomb Raider titles, a Star Wars RPG, and a new strategy game Total War: Warhammer 40K. In addition, Larian Studios revealed Divinity, creating huge excitement. New footage of Resident Evil 9 and the first trailer for the upcoming Street Fighter movie also energized the crowd.
Here is a quick table for easy understanding:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Game of the Year | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Narrative | Clair Obscur |
| Best Score/Music | Lorien Testard – Clair Obscur |
| Best Audio Design | Battlefield 6 |
| Best Action Game | Hades II |
| Best Mobile Game | Umamusume: Pretty Derby |
| Best Family Game | Donkey Kong Bananza |
| Best RPG | Clair Obscur |
| Best Multiplayer | Arc Raiders |
| Player’s Voice | Wuthering Waves |
Finally, the ceremony also honored Girls Make Games for inspiring young female developers. However, some attendees expressed concern about the removal of the Future Class initiative. Even so, the overall show was praised for giving more space to speeches and reducing advertisement interruptions. As the night ended, fans celebrated the remarkable achievements of the game awards winners, marking a year that will be remembered for creativity, innovation, and unforgettable gaming moments.
