The success of Xbox Game Pass Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 takes the GOTY

The acclaimed RPG, available on Xbox Game Pass since April, achieves the biggest award of the year.

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What started as one of the biggest surprises in the Xbox Game Pass catalog in the spring has ended up becoming a phenomenon that few could have predicted. The title arrived on the service with a low-key launch in April, but its mix of art, turn-based combat, and a very personal atmosphere quickly took it to the top in ratings, positive comments, and constant conversation on social media.

As the months passed, its impact only continued to grow. The community elevated it to essential status, critics placed it among the best works of the year, and the game remained one of the most played titles within Game Pass. Everything pointed to the fact that something big could happen at The Game Awards, and that’s exactly what happened: the project took home the Game of the Year (GOTY) award, solidifying an already exceptional track record.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins GOTY at The Game Awards 2025

• The announcement was one of the most celebrated moments of the gala, not just because of the recognition for the studio, but also because of what it represents for Xbox Game Pass. The game entered the service from day one, and thanks to that, millions of players were able to discover it without barriers, generating a word-of-mouth effect that accompanied it throughout the year.

Winning GOTY confirms a resounding success: its artistic proposal, precise combat system, and adventure focus have made it one of the most influential works of 2025. And, above all, it reinforces the idea that the subscription service is capable of elevating titles that, in terms of quality, deserve to be protagonists.