2026 New York Game Awards: Clair Obscur’s Expedition 33 Takes Home ‘Best Game of the Year’

2026 New York Game Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Gaming

In an exciting ceremony held just hours ago, the New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) announced the winners of the 2026 New York Game Awards. The standout recipient of the prestigious Game of the Year award was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive.

This accolade serves as another significant feather in the cap for the acclaimed single-player JRPG, especially noteworthy after its recent triumph at The Game Awards last month. It is important to highlight that this marks a milestone achievement for Clair Obscur, as it now ranks as the third game to accumulate the highest number of Game of the Year awards, surpassing even Baldur’s Gate 3. With the awards season still underway, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is favorably positioned to claim additional honors, including the highly regarded D. I.C. E.awards. Its only setback this season came from Hollow Knight: Silksong at the Steam Awards, where winners were determined by public votes.

Additional Honors and Acknowledgments

Beyond claiming the coveted Big Apple Award, Sandfall Interactive’s accomplishments were complemented by individual recognitions. Jennifer English was honored with the Great White Way Award, awarded for her exceptional performance as Maelle, celebrating the best acting in a game.

A Comprehensive List of 2026 Winners

The following awards were presented during this year’s celebration:

Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game: Blue Prince
Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game: Blippo+
Statue of Liberty Award for Best World: Hades II
Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game: South of Midnight
Excelsior Award for Best NY Game: Ball x Pit
Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game: Lumines Arise
Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game: Donkey Kong Bananza
A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game: Is This Seat Taken?
High Line Award for Best Remake: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Chumley’s Speakeasy Award for Best Hidden Gem: News Tower
NYC GWB Award for Best DLC: Lies of P: Overture

In a notable twist, the Andrew Yoon Legend Award presented this year went to a company rather than an individual, making The Pokémon Company the esteemed recipient. Last year, this award was bestowed upon Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.

For more insights into this remarkable event, you can view further details and images here.