The tension in the room was palpable as the 29th annual D.I.C.E. Awards drew to a close. Fans and developers alike held their breath, anticipating the reveal of the Game of the Year—one title had been quietly dominating discussions since the award season began. Before the final announcement, a murmured question rippled through the audience: who could possibly compete with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 not only claimed the coveted GOTY award but also collected a string of accolades in categories such as Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction, Art Direction, and Story. Its RPG of the Year recognition capped off an astounding sweep, even as it faced stiff competition in other categories.
But one notable contender finally got its due recognition at D.I.C.E. that eluded it at the TGA. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima’s latest cinematic venture, earned awards for Outstanding Technical Achievement and Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design. If I had my say, the Game Direction award should have adorned Kojima’s work as well, given its breathtaking cutscenes and narrative depth.
What games won at D.I.C.E. in 2025?
In an industry where innovation reigns, ARC Raiders made waves as it took home the Online Game of the Year award. Despite arriving late in the release calendar, it surpassed expectations and emerged as a formidable presence at nearly every award show it graced. We even recognized it as the best live-service game of the year because it truly deserved that spotlight.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to collect awards with relentless momentum, a phenomenon now unmatched in the gaming scene. With every nominating body eager to bestow honors, it seems almost destined for victory. Are we witnessing a shift in the gaming narrative, or has one title simply captured our hearts and imaginations?