When the 29th annual DICE Awards concluded last night, one name emerged as the undisputed winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The PlayStation 5 exclusive, developed by Paris-based Sandfall Interactive, secured five trophies—including Game of the Year—solidifying its place alongside Baldur’s Gate 3* as a defining RPG of 2025.
The sweep wasn’t just a surprise; it was a statement. Sandfall’s debut title matched BG3’s Golden Joystick Awards haul and then exceeded it at The Game Awards, where it claimed nine trophies. Now, with Game of the Year at the DICE Awards, Expedition 33 has cemented a dominance that rivals even Larian’s own record-setting run. The studio’s rapid ascent mirrors the trajectory of Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3—both of which redefined narrative-driven RPGs upon release.
But Sandfall’s victory isn’t just about awards. It’s about artistic vision. The game’s Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction, Story, and Game Direction reflect a deliberate departure from the industry’s usual blockbuster formula. Where BG3 leaned into deep lore and player agency, Expedition 33 delivers a moody, atmospheric experience—one that prioritizes environmental storytelling and a hauntingly immersive world over traditional RPG mechanics. The DICE jury clearly recognized this approach, rewarding its cohesive world-building and narrative depth in ways few games achieve.
Beyond the Sweep: Who Else Won?
The DICE Awards also highlighted other standout titles. Ghost of Yōtei, the Ghost of Tsushima developer’s latest action-adventure, earned Adventure Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Character, and Original Music Composition, reinforcing its status as a technical and creative achievement. Meanwhile, Kojima Productions secured two awards for Death Stranding 2—Audio Design and Technical Achievement—a nod to its ambitious (if still PC-exclusive) evolution. Even indie darling Blue Prince took home Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game and Game Design, proving that smaller studios can still compete in the industry’s highest-profile ceremony.
A moment of solemnity interrupted the celebration: the awards included a tribute to Vince Zampella, co-founder of Infinity Ward and head of the Battlefield franchise, who died in a car crash last December. The ceremony also inducted Evan Wells, former president of Naughty Dog, into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades-long impact on game development.
Awards Season Isn’t Over
For Sandfall, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is nominated in eight of nine categories at the upcoming Game Developers Choice Awards, where it could extend its record-breaking streak. The studio’s rapid rise—from an unknown developer to an awards darling—also mirrors France’s growing influence in gaming. Earlier this month, Sandfall was honored with the Order of Arts and Letters, a prestigious French award recognizing its contributions to culture.
The question now isn’t whether Expedition 33* deserves its accolades. It’s whether Sandfall can sustain this level of innovation—and whether the industry is ready for another Larian-like phenomenon to emerge from Europe.
