As the gaming landscape evolves, a notable shift is occurring. While some triple-A titles are experiencing fatigue, a wave of indie games is rising to prominence, capturing the attention of players and critics alike. Titles such as Schedule 1, R.E.P.O, Peak, and the recent sensation Megabonk have etched their names into the annals of video game history, even as some blockbuster giants struggle to maintain their footing. Among these indie gems, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as a personal favorite, earning the title of Game of the Year (GOTY) for many, including myself.
Insights from Sandfall’s Leadership
In a year brimming with critically acclaimed games, the competition for awards is fierce. Standouts like Hollow Knight Silksong and Hades 2, which has already secured the highest ratings for 2025, are vying for recognition alongside other notable titles such as Blue Prince and Ghost of Yotei. Yet, for me, Expedition 33 remains the frontrunner.
Recently, I had the opportunity to converse with Sandfall’s CEO and creative director, Guillaume Broche, and COO, Francois Meurisse, about the RPG’s latest “thank you” update and the future of what I’ve dubbed the Clairiverse. With awards season approaching, I inquired about their outlook on potential accolades and their personal favorites among this year’s offerings.
“[GOTY] isn’t something we really aim for; it should just be a consequence of making a good game, not really the goal,” Broche explained. “Our philosophy is that we’ve already achieved so much more than we wanted to achieve. We’ve received so many beautiful messages from players around the world saying that the game changed their lives and helped them through tough times. There’s so much love, and we are, in exchange, so grateful.”
Broche continued, “What we are creating games for, at least on my side, is to produce some real emotional resonance with people. [Expedition 33] was already a win because we’ve achieved this, so the award would be a nice little bonus. That being said, there are so many good games this year that it’s fine if we don’t get it—it’s perfectly okay, and we’ll be happy anyway.”
Meurisse echoed this sentiment, adding, “I’m totally aligned with what Guillaume said. It’s not a goal in itself. It would be presumptuous to say we wouldn’t be happy if we get some nominations and awards—I see awards as a reward for the fans. I’m touched and moved by how many fans are saying, ‘Oh, Expedition 33 should get this award or that award,’ so if we get something, the fans will also be super, super happy.”
When it came to personal favorites, Broche humorously confessed, “I don’t know if it’s a serious one, but I’m spending way too much time on Megabonk right now. It’s my life,” he laughed. “Help me!” His playful tone hinted at the addictive nature of Megabonk, a roguelike bullet hell game that has recently surged in popularity on Steam, surpassing 100,000 concurrent players.
Despite the impressive array of games released this year, my allegiance remains with Expedition 33. Its captivating soundtrack, endearing characters, and challenging combat have filled the void left by Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Anticipation builds for the next major update, promising to enhance the experience even further.
For those still navigating the challenges of the Monolith, we’ve curated a list of the best Expedition 33 builds to help conquer the Paintress’ titans. And for newcomers, a guide to the optimal Megabonk build awaits.
Is Expedition 33 your GOTY? Join the conversation on Discord and share your thoughts. If not, what title has captured your heart this year? The options are plentiful.
