Sandfall Interactive’s turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, leads nominations for the 26th annual Game Developers Choice Awards 2026. Securing eight nods across nine categories, including Game of the Year, it stands out. This major recognition, announced January 16, 2026, positions the title as a highlight for the upcoming GDC Festival of Gaming in San Francisco.
The Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) are prestigious accolades, voted by an invitation-only network of leading game creators. Such widespread acclaim indicates a title’s potential impact. Ghost of Yōtei also secured five nominations, with Donkey Kong Bananza receiving four. This signals a competitive awards season.
The breadth of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s nominations—from Best Narrative to Best Technology—underscores Sandfall Interactive’s multifaceted achievement. This positions the game as a benchmark for excellence across various developmental disciplines. The GDCA ceremony occurs March 12 during the GDC Festival of Gaming.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s comprehensive nominations
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 garnered eight nominations, a testament to its broad quality. These include Game of the Year, Best Debut, Best Narrative, and Best Design. Other significant nods went to Best Visual Art, Best Audio, Best Technology, and the Innovation Award.
This extensive recognition highlights a multifaceted achievement across creative and technical disciplines. It sets the title apart from other strong contenders in a fiercely competitive landscape. The Game Developers Choice Awards are a key barometer for industry innovation and excellence, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s industry impact
For Sandfall Interactive, this level of recognition for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is transformative. It immediately elevates their standing in a competitive industry, attracting both talent and player attention. Such widespread acclaim significantly influences a game’s commercial success and critical reception.
These nominations also reflect a broader trend in the RPG genre, where innovation in narrative, design, and technology is increasingly celebrated. As the industry gathers for the GDCA ceremony on March 12, all eyes will be on how Clair Obscur performs and what precedents it sets for future titles. Both ceremonies will be streamed for free on Twitch.
The overwhelming nominations for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at the Game Developers Choice Awards 2026 solidify its position as a major contender. This highlights the power of innovative game design and storytelling in the modern era.
Regardless of the final awards count, Sandfall Interactive has already made a significant mark. This promises an exciting future for turn-based RPGs and the broader gaming industry as the GDC Festival of Gaming approaches its climax.
