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2h ago

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Adds Indie Game Awards GOTY to Record Haul

Developer remarks on Japanese-inspired, no-hit combat sharpen the spotlight, with questions persisting over its indie label.

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Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sandfall Interactive
Image credit: Sandfall Interactive

Overview

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won Game of the Year at the Indie Game Awards on Dec. 18, alongside Best Debut and the fan-voted Community Pick for Best RPG.
  • It previously took seven Golden Joystick Awards in November and nine trophies at The Game Awards on Dec. 11, setting records at both shows including Game of the Year honors.
  • Director Guillaume Broche describes the combat as intentionally "very Japanese," emphasizing high-skill parry systems and boss designs that allow for no-damage clears.
  • Debate over its indie status continues, with estimates placing the budget at $15–25 million as some outlets report, while Sandfall says it spent under $10 million.
  • Kepler Interactive’s publishing role and reported outsourcing, noted by Rock Paper Shotgun, factor into the dispute as Indie Game Awards organizers cite creative independence as their key criterion.