After Sweeping the Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Poised to Dominate the GDCA 2026
The unstoppable force that is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shows no signs of slowing down. After making history at last December’s Game Awards, Sandfall Interactive’s RPG now stands as the top contender at the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards, ready to cement its status as a defining phenomenon in modern gaming.
2026 is off to a blazing start for Sandfall Interactive. Barely had the Game Awards champagne settled when the French studio found itself propelled toward yet another major accolade. On March 12th, at the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) ceremony in San Francisco, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could very well repeat its December feat and establish itself as the must-play game of this generation.
Image credit: Sandfall Interactive
A reign that’s built to last
To grasp the full scope of this phenomenon, a quick look back is essential. At the 2025 Game Awards last December, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 achieved a historic clean sweep. With twelve nominations under its belt, the French RPG took home an impressive haul of trophies, dominating key categories such as Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score, and Best RPG. It also snagged awards for Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game. This landmark achievement crowned a French production at the pinnacle of the global gaming scene.
This momentum continues with the Game Developers Choice Awards nominations, where the title appears in eight out of nine categories — a rare feat that highlights its deep impact on industry professionals.
Eight nods, one clear favorite
The official nominee list, revealed ahead of the March 12 ceremony in San Francisco, confirms Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a central figure. Up against heavy hitters like Ghost of Yōtei, Blue Prince, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, Sandfall Interactive’s RPG stands out with a presence spanning nearly every major category.
- Game of the Year
- Best Art Direction
- Best Technical Achievement
- Best Narrative
- Innovation Award
- Best Game Design
- Best Debut Game
- Best Audio
Such widespread recognition leaves little doubt: this game is the frontrunner, both for the top prize and multiple technical and artistic honors.
GDCA: the industry’s ultimate verdict
Unlike other award shows, the Game Developers Choice Awards stand out for their selection process: winners are chosen by fellow developers through the International Choice Awards Network. Additionally, there’s an Audience Award open to public voting starting January 26, plus Honorable Mentions that spotlight remarkable works even if they don’t make the podium.
In this demanding arena, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerges as a near-natural choice for ultimate recognition. Should it confirm its lead at the GDCA, the game could firmly etch its name among the most celebrated cross-category winners in recent gaming history. One thing’s for sure: the expedition is far from over!
Clair Obscur, PC, PlayStation 5, Steampunk games, Xbox Series X|S
