Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs can’t believe it’s the most‑nominated Game Awards title in history — “There are so many deserving, precious games this year”

Sandfall’s debut — a title that mixes Gallic flair with grim antagonists — is up for Game of the Year and other headline categories such as Best Narrative and Best Art Direction, and has drawn attention for nominations in both Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game.

Although it is technically a debut, Expedition 33 relied on hundreds of outsourced contributors and, reportedly, a sizeable production budget. That scale has prompted some critics to label it more AA than indie.

Sandfall responded with gratitude. On Twitter the developer celebrated the recognition, noting their surprise and appreciation for being named among the year’s standout titles. Read the announcement.

“There are so many deserving games this year,” the team wrote, adding that being nominated alongside them fills the studio with enormous joy.

“THANK YOU!!”

As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 misses out at the 2026 Grammys, Assassin’s Creed and Journey composer says he’d “happily trade places” with the RPG