Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Claims Game of the Year Crown, Releases Major Free Update

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025. The indie RPG from developer Sandfall Interactive secured a historic nine awards total. This stunning victory was announced on December 12th in Los Angeles.In an immediate show of gratitude, the developer released a substantial free update. The “Thank You” update adds new dungeons, bosses, and a photo mode. This move rewards the player community that propelled the game to its massive success.

A Historic Sweep for a Debut Title

The Game Awards ceremony saw Clair Obscur defeat major competitors. It beat highly anticipated titles like Hades II and Death Stranding 2. According to The Game Awards, it won in nine of its nominated categories.These included Best Role-Playing Game and Best Independent Game. It also won awards for its art direction and score. This sweep is exceptionally rare for a studio’s first major release.The game has sold over 5 million copies worldwide since April. Its unique Belle Époque art style captivated players. Its deep, turn-based combat system received widespread critical praise from outlets like IGN.

What’s Inside the Major 1.5.0 “Thank You” Update

The new update, version 1.5.0, is available now on all platforms. Its headline feature is “Verso’s Drafts,” a challenging new late-game dungeon. Players will face new bosses and enemy encounters within it.A new Photo Mode allows for capturing stunning in-game moments. Players can adjust angles, apply filters, and hide character models. This feature was highly requested by the community on social media.The update also adds new cosmetic costumes for the six main characters. It includes new music tracks expanding the acclaimed soundtrack. PC players also get specific optimizations for Steam Deck handheld play.

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Thought you’d like to know

What did Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 win at The Game Awards?

It won a total of nine awards. The biggest prize was Game of the Year. It also won Best RPG, Best Independent Game, and Best Game Direction.

Is the new “Thank You” update free for everyone?

Yes, the 1.5.0 update is completely free. It is available for all players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. You just need to own the base game.

What is the new “Verso’s Drafts” content?

It is a brand-new dungeon area with new battles. It is designed for late-game players seeking a challenge. The area features unique bosses and rewards.

How successful has Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 been?

The game has sold over 5 million copies globally. It launched in April 2025 to strong reviews. Its Game of the Year win confirms its massive impact.

Who developed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

The game was developed by Sandfall Interactive. This is the French studio’s debut major project. The team is based in Paris.

What makes this Game of the Year win significant?

It’s a major win for a new intellectual property. It highlights the power of original artistic vision in gaming. The win proves innovative indie titles can dominate.