Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Split Fiction Lead the Charge for Game of the Year 2025

In an era often dominated by AAA blockbuster releases boasting colossal budgets and sprawling worlds, 2025 is witnessing a remarkable resurgence of mid-budget (often called AA) games that are redefining what it means to captivate audiences and critics alike. Two such titles—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive and Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios—have rapidly become front runners for the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) title. Their success underscores a shifting landscape in the video game industry, where creativity, storytelling, and unique gameplay experiences are shining brighter than ever.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — A Visual and Emotional Triumph

At the heart of this renaissance is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that defies easy categorization. Developed by a tight-knit team of 30 developers at Sandfall Interactive, this turn-based role-playing game (RPG) marries meticulously crafted mechanics with a deeply evocative narrative set in a beautifully stylized world inspired by the Belle Époque period in France.An Artistic Vision Like No Other

What truly sets Clair Obscur apart is its breathtaking art direction. The game’s visuals draw inspiration from impressionist and surrealist art movements, immersing players in environments that look as if they were lifted from the canvases of masters like Monet or Dali. This blend of painterly aesthetics with modern game design crafts an experience that is both nostalgic and innovative, a fresh take on how video games can be visual storytelling mediums.

A Story That Resonates

The narrative follows Verso, a passionate explorer, and his loyal companion, Esquie—an anthropomorphic creature who brings warmth, humor, and emotional nuance to the story. Together, they embark on a harrowing expedition to confront the enigmatic Paintress, a mysterious figure whose power to erase parts of the world each year threatens the very fabric of their reality.

Critics have praised the game not only for its striking visuals but for how it tackles themes of loss, memory, and the fleeting nature of beauty with sensitivity and depth. The relationship between Verso and Esquie serves as the emotional core of the game, delivering moments that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The dynamic gameplay, which incorporates turn-based combat with real-time elements, complements the storytelling perfectly, ensuring players remain engaged both intellectually and emotionally.

Critical and Commercial Success

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. On aggregators like Metacritic and OpenCritic, Clair Obscur holds an average score exceeding 90%, a rare feat that places it among the highest-rated games of the year. The commercial side is just as impressive: within 12 days of launch, the game sold over two million copies—a remarkable achievement for an AA title with a $50 price point.

Even notable figures outside the gaming community have recognized the game's impact. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly praised Clair Obscur as “a shining example of French audacity and creativity,” highlighting how the game transcends entertainment to become a cultural touchstone.

Split Fiction — Redefining Co-Op Adventure Gaming

Meanwhile, across the industry, Hazelight Studios has redefined cooperative gaming once again with Split Fiction, their follow-up to the critically acclaimed It Takes Two. Released earlier this year on March 6, 2025, Split Fiction has quickly established itself as a genre-defining co-op action-adventure that merges elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and narrative-driven puzzles.

Innovative Gameplay and Storytelling

Unlike many games that offer co-op as an afterthought, Split Fiction integrates two-player cooperation as the central pillar of its design. Players assume the roles of characters traversing fantastical worlds, where they must solve environmental puzzles, overcome hostile forces, and navigate complex narratives that only reveal their full depth through teamwork.

The gameplay challenges are diverse—ranging from escaping the destructive force of a dying supernova to whimsical battles against an “evil kitty,” the title blends moments of high stakes tension with lighthearted humor. This range has struck a chord with both players and critics, who commend the game’s ability to balance emotional storytelling with inventive mechanics.

Commercial Triumph and Cultural Impact

The sales figures for Split Fiction have been equally impressive. It sold over one million copies within just two days of release and surpassed four million units by early May. EA, the game's publisher, expressed surprise and delight at the game’s performance, which has bolstered their financial outlook for the quarter.

Additionally, Split Fiction has inspired a media expansion: a film adaptation is currently in development, with Sydney Sweeney cast in a leading role and Jon M. Chu attached to direct. This move signifies the growing cultural impact of narrative-driven games and Hazelight’s continuing influence on the entertainment landscape.

The remarkable success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Split Fiction challenges traditional perceptions that only AAA titles can dominate awards and sales charts. Both games are priced around $50—significantly less than many AAA blockbusters—yet they deliver rich, immersive experiences that resonate deeply with players.

This trend toward AA games with strong artistic visions and innovative gameplay could indicate a more sustainable future for the gaming industry. Smaller teams with focused creative goals can compete successfully against larger studios, provided they offer originality and emotional resonance.

Moreover, their success highlights gamers’ appetite for diverse experiences that prioritize storytelling and artistic expression over sheer spectacle. This could encourage more developers to take creative risks, potentially broadening the kinds of games available in the market.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Game of the Year

As 2025 progresses, anticipation builds around which title will ultimately take home the Game of the Year award. Both Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Split Fiction have solidified their positions as frontrunners, inspiring passionate fanbases and critical acclaim alike.

Clair Obscur captivates with its emotional depth and artistic brilliance, while Split Fiction innovates with cooperative storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Together, they represent a turning point—demonstrating that creativity, heartfelt narratives, and unique player experiences are what truly resonate, regardless of a game’s budget.

Whether one prefers the painterly, introspective journey of Clair Obscur or the vibrant, teamwork-driven adventure of Split Fiction, 2025 promises to be remembered as a year when games regained their ability to surprise and inspire.