Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wins Game of the Year at 29th Annual DICE Awards

Recap of the 29th Annual DICE Awards

The Game Awards—led by Geoff Keighley—often focus more on revealing new game titles than on the accolades given to outstanding games. In stark contrast, the DICE Awards put the spotlight squarely on recognition and celebration of the industry’s top talents. The awards are organized by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS), making them a prestigious event akin to the Oscars for the gaming community.

This year’s anticipation swirled around Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which seemed poised to dominate the event after sweeping the previous awards at The Game Awards. Both Ghost of Yōtei and Expedition 33 entered the night neck-and-neck with eight nominations each, setting the stage for a potential showdown.

Early Wins and Surprising Outcomes

The excitement of the evening kicked off with Expedition 33 clinching the award for Role-Playing Game of the Year, hinting at a continuation of its previous success. However, things took an interesting turn when Ghost of Yōtei scored wins in both the Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition and Outstanding Achievement in Character. These awards had previously been taken by Expedition 33 at other ceremonies, suggesting a more competitive atmosphere.

Final Standings

Contrary to early expectations, Expedition 33 finished the night strong, garnering a total of five awards, including prestigious honors for Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Story, Game Direction, and Art Direction. These victories cemented its status, making it the game with the highest number of Game of the Year awards in history.

Ghost of Yōtei followed closely with three awards, while Blue Prince celebrated its own achievements with two notable wins for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design and Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game.Death Stranding 2: On the Beach emerged as another key player, securing multiple awards, despite being absent from the Game of the Year nominees.

Tributes and Industry Solidarity

An emotional highlight of the evening was a tribute to Vince Zampella, who is respected not only for co-creating Call of Duty but also for his role as a mentor to aspiring developers. The tribute emphasized the lasting impact of his mentorship and the legacy of creativity he has fostered in the industry.

Another significant moment was dedicated to Evan Wells, a veteran of Naughty Dog, who was honored with an induction into the DICE Hall of Fame. Wells, who retired after 25 years with the studio, was introduced by Neil Druckmann, his long-time colleague and successor.

Throughout the evening, many speakers voiced calls for a more equitable gaming industry, expressing a desire for fair treatment and respect among developers.Lee Petty, art director at Double Fine Productions, made waves remarking on his negative stance toward generative AI tools in game development, advocating instead for hiring experienced animators. This sentiment resonated with attendees who have concerns about the future of creativity in an evolving industry.

Looking Ahead: The GDC Awards

With the DICE Awards concluded, the next major event on the horizon is the GDC Awards, where expectant eyes will be on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which is nominated in nearly every category. The upcoming ceremony will reveal if it can maintain its winning streak or if it will face competition from acclaimed titles such as Blue Prince, Ghost of Yōtei, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Split Fiction.

29th Annual DICE Awards Winners

Outstanding Achievement in Animation

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yōtei
Monster Hunter Wilds
South of Midnight – Winner
The Midnight Walk

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Winner
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Dispatch
Ghost of Yōtei
The Midnight Walk

Outstanding Achievement in Character

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 – Team
Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 – Maelle
Dispatch – Courtney/Invisigal
Dispatch – Robert Robertson III/Mecha Man
Ghost of Yōtei – Atsu – Winner

Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
Ghost of Yōtei – Winner
Herdling
Mario Kart World
Sword of the Sea

Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design

ARC Raiders
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Winner
Ghost of Yōtei
Lumines Arise
Split Fiction

Outstanding Achievement in Story

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Winner
Consume Me
Despelote
South of Midnight
The Drifter

Outstanding Technical Achievement

ARC Raiders
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Winner
Donkey Kong Bananza
DOOM: The Dark Ages

Action Game of the Year

Absolute
ARC Raiders
DOOM: The Dark Ages
Hades II – Winner
Ninja Gaiden 4

Adventure Game of the Year

Blue Prince
Dispatch
Donkey Kong Bananza
Ghost of Yōtei – Winner
Hollow Knight: Silksong

Family Game of the Year

LEGO Party! – Winner
LEGO Voyagers
Lumines Arise
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
POPUCOM

Fighting Game of the Year

2XKO
Capcom Fighting Collection 2
FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection – Winner
WWE 2K25

Racing Game of the Year

EA SPORTS F1 25
Kirby Air Riders
Mario Kart World – Winner
Wheel World

Role-Playing Game of the Year

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Winner
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Monster Hunter Wilds
The Outer Worlds 2

Sports Game of the Year

EA SPORTS FC™ 26
PGA Tour 2k25
MLB® The Show™ 25
NBA 2k26
Rematch – Winner

Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year

The Alters – Winner
Drop Duchy
Europa Universalis V
The King is Watching
StarVaders

Immersive Reality Technical Achievement

Ghost Town
Hotel Infinity – Winner
Marvel’s Deadpool VR
Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset
Unloop

Immersive Reality Game of the Year

Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked
Ghost Town – Winner
Marvel’s Deadpool VR
The Midnight Walk
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow

Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game

Baby Steps
Blue Prince – Winner
Consume Me
Despelote
Dispatch

Mobile Game of the Year

Persona5: The Phantom X – Winner
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
WHAT THE CLASH?
Where Winds Meet

Online Game of the Year

ARC Raiders – Winner
Battlefield 6
Mario Kart World
Marvel Rivals
Split Fiction

Outstanding Achievement in Game Design

ARC Raiders
Blue Prince – Winner
Hades II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Yes

Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction

Blue Prince
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Winner
Ghost of Yōtei
Hades II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Game of the Year

ARC Raiders
Blue Prince
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Winner
Dispatch
Ghost of Yōtei

Source & Images