“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” Reigns Supreme at The Game Awards 2023
Table of Contents
A record-breaking nine awards cemented “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” as the dominant force at The Game Awards, signaling a triumph for indie development and innovative game design. The narrative role-playing game from Sandfall captivated audiences and critics alike, earning the coveted title of Game of the Year and inspiring developers across the industry.
An Underdog Story Captures the Industry
“Clair Obscur,” lauded for its stunning worldbuilding, engaging combat system, and evocative soundtrack, resonated deeply with attendees and viewers. The game’s success is particularly notable given its origins as an independent project. One technical artist at Respawn Entertainment remarked on the game’s creative spirit, stating, “What inspires me is the fact that they are not afraid to remix things.” The developer further explained that “Clair Obscur” successfully blends influences from established titles like “Persona” with unique cultural elements, resulting in a truly original experience.
The game’s impact was palpable at the awards show, with cheers erupting each time “Clair Obscur” was announced as a winner. A gaming producer, visibly enthusiastic, even decorated her nails in support of the title and described the live orchestral performance of the Best Score and Music winner’s soundtrack as “blessed.”
Beyond “Clair Obscur”: Other Winners and Announcements
While “Clair Obscur” dominated the awards, Nintendo also saw success, securing two awards for “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza.” However, the event was not solely focused on recognizing past achievements. The Game Awards also served as a platform for unveiling a host of exciting new projects.
Fans were thrilled with announcements of new installments in beloved franchises, including “Control,” “Mega Man,” and “Tomb Raider.” An aspiring voice actor expressed particular excitement about the return of “Mega Man,” stating, “Mega Man, for sure. I’m just a huge Capcom fan, so it’s like [seeing], Mega Man and Monster Hunter. I was excited to see all that.”
New Games and Film Adaptations Take Center Stage
The event extended beyond video games, featuring a trailer for the upcoming “Street Fighter” film adaptation, boasting a star-studded cast including Cody Rhodes, Noah Centineo, and Jason Momoa. The cast later presented the award for Best Ongoing Game to “No Man’s Sky.”
A surprise announcement came in the form of a new “Divinity” game, developed by Larian Studios – the team behind 2023’s Game of the Year winner, “Baldur’s Gate 3.” The announcement was foreshadowed by a mysterious statue outside the Peacock Theater, a detail keenly observed by attendees. One attendee noted, “I’ve been watching all these theories about that statue they revealed for days now, and everyone was speculating something else about it. And oh my god — of course, it’s Larian.”
Recognizing Innovation and Future Talent
The Game Changer award was presented to Girls Make Games, a gaming education company dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the industry. The award recognized the contributions of two program alumni, including a USC computer science junior who received a scholarship in 2023.
Among the most anticipated reveals was the release date for “Phantom Blade Zero,” a PlayStation 5 exclusive centered around Chinese mythology, slated for release in 2026. A content creator who previewed the game in China described it as poised to “take over the world,” praising its motion-captured kung fu sequences and cinematic quality.
Finally, the unveiling of “Highguard,” a player-vs-player first-person shooter developed by the creators of “Titanfall” and “Apex Legends,” generated excitement among industry professionals. A developer who previously worked on “Apex Legends” expressed surprise and anticipation, stating, “I was like — ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ Like, these are people that used to work on the same project that I work on now. I’m really excited to check it out, although I have no clue what’s in store.”
The celebration left a lasting impression on all in attendance, but for many, the story of Sandfall’s indie team and the success of “Clair Obscur” served as a powerful reminder of the impact of passion, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace creative risk. One attendee summarized the sentiment, stating, “Just the journey that the team went through, how much of a passion project that was and what kind of incredible things that you can make when there’s collaboration and passion involved –I think that’s, like, really inspiring, and that’s the kind of environment I would love to work in one day.”
