Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Leads the GOTY Race—Can Any Game Catch Up?
Is there any game that can truly challenge Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for the title of Game of the Year? After Summer Game Fest, the competition is looking thin, but let’s break down what’s still in the running and why Clair Obscur is suddenly everyone’s favorite dark horse.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is leading the Game of the Year conversation
- Most big contenders from Summer Game Fest are still waiting for release
- Key titles include Keeper, The Outer Worlds 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Silent Hill f, Death Stranding 2, and Ghost of Yōtei
- We look at what gives each game a shot at the GOTY crown
What’s new after Summer Game Fest?
Every June, the gaming world tunes in to see what’s coming next. Summer Game Fest replaced the old E3 madness, but it’s still the best time to get a feel for the big hitters of the year. After this year’s reveals, it’s clear the Game Awards lineup is taking shape, but honestly, there’s no Grand Theft Auto 6 to shake things up—so the field is wide open.
Who’s actually in the running?
Microsoft went bold with some October dates: Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and a new title called Keeper from Double Fine. While Ninja Gaiden 4 is packed with action, action games don’t always get love from the GOTY jury. The Outer Worlds 2 has potential, but fans are divided, and Obsidian’s games are sometimes hit or miss with critics.
Keeper stands out with its mysterious trailer—a wordless but emotive adventure about a sentient lighthouse and its bird companion. The art style pops, and with Double Fine’s track record (remember Psychonauts 2?), it could be a surprise hit if reviews are strong.
Indie hopefuls and returning legends
On the indie side, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally set for a 2025 release. The first game didn’t make a big splash at The Game Awards back in 2017, but its fanbase has exploded since then. Still, Silksong will have to fight for what’s usually just one indie spot—especially against Blue Prince and maybe Hades 2 if it exits early access this year.
There’s also Silent Hill f from Konami, now aiming for September. Horror games sometimes sneak into the GOTY conversation, and with last year’s Silent Hill 2 remake finding success, there’s hope. However, developer NeoBards is a bit of an unknown, so reviews will be everything here.
Other heavyweights: Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei
The two biggest AAA games in the wings are Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Yōtei. Both are PlayStation exclusives, both have huge stories, and both are exactly the type of ambitious titles that tend to impress at The Game Awards. Sony, after all, has already snagged three GOTY wins.
Why is everyone talking about Clair Obscur?
But here’s the twist—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is sitting pretty at the top of both Metacritic and OpenCritic for best games of the year (excluding those Switch 2 Zelda remasters). It’s the kind of RPG that ticks every box: engaging story, memorable characters, gorgeous visuals, and tight gameplay. Plus, it’s a passion project from a small, new team and an upstart publisher—just the kind of underdog story the gaming community loves.
Like last year’s Baldur’s Gate 3, players feel a real connection to this game. It’s not a corporate giant; it’s something fans feel they helped lift to the top. The jury might find it hard to ignore that.
So, can anything top Clair Obscur?
With just a few months to go until The Game Awards, it’s clear that Clair Obscur has the momentum. The rest of the year’s releases will need to be truly special to catch up. If you’re betting on the next Game of the Year, this is the one to watch—but as always, surprises can happen!
