In a landmark victory that electrified the global gaming community, the French indie RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stole the spotlight at The Game Awards 2024, securing the coveted Game of the Year title. The breakout hit swept nine of its twelve nominations—setting a new all-time record—while outperforming major industry titans such as Death Stranding 2 and Hades 2.

A Historic Night for Sandfall Interactive’s Debut RPG

Created by Sandfall Interactive, a rising studio founded by former Ubisoft veterans, Clair Obscur quickly became one of 2024’s most celebrated releases. Critics praised its emotionally charged storytelling, innovative turn-based combat, and atmospheric score composed by newcomer Lorien Testard. These strengths propelled the RPG to wins in several top categories, including:

• Best Narrative
• Best Score / Music
• Best Performance (Jennifer English as Maelle)
• Best Role-Playing Game
• Best Independent Game

During the acceptance speech, Creative Director Guillaume Broche—sporting his signature French beret—expressed heartfelt gratitude to his team and the gaming community, shouting out the “unsung heroes” behind online dev tutorials. Meanwhile, Jennifer English dedicated her award “to every neurodivergent person watching,” marking one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments.

Show-Stopping Trailers and Announcements

As always, The Game Awards doubled as a global showcase for major reveals, surprising fans with a wave of blockbuster announcements:

Tomb Raider Double Reveal

A stunning surprise confirmed both:

• A Tomb Raider remake, and
• A brand-new sequel led by Lara Croft

Star Wars Returns to RPG Glory

Lucasfilm Games unveiled two new titles:

• Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic — a spiritual successor to Knights of the Old Republic
• Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Larian Studios Unveils Its Next RPG

Fresh off the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian announced Divinity, teased through a mysterious desert-themed trailer.

Star Power and New Game Trailers

• David Harbour introduced Total War: Warhammer 40K
• Lenny Kravitz revealed his villain role in 007: First Light
• New trailers dropped for Resident Evil 9 (starring Leon Kennedy) and the PS5-exclusive Saros

Award Winners Across Every Genre

Even with Clair Obscur’s historic run, other standout titles earned well-deserved recognition:

• Best Audio Design: Battlefield 6
• Players’ Voice Award: Wuthering Waves
• Best Family Game: Donkey Kong Bananza
• Best Action-Adventure: Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Best Multiplayer: Arc Raiders
• Best Mobile Game: Umamusume: Pretty Derby

The Game Changer Award honored Girls Make Games, spotlighting their advocacy for young women entering the gaming industry.

A Ceremony Marked by Growth and Reflection

The 2024 event made visible efforts to address past criticisms about rushed acceptance speeches, though many developers continued calling for deeper acknowledgment of industry-wide issues—especially the wave of layoffs across studios. The discontinuation of the Future Class initiative also sparked discussion about ongoing representation and support within gaming communities.

A Defining Year for Gaming

Ultimately, The Game Awards 2024 will be remembered as a defining moment—where a heartfelt indie RPG rose above blockbuster franchises, and where the next era of gaming innovation was unveiled through stunning world premieres. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 now stands as a modern classic, forever marking its place in gaming history.