Overview
- In a Famitsu interview, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said “the game of the year is probably Clair Obscur Expedition 33” while praising several other 2025 releases.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi previously named the game his GOTY pick, praising its balance and hybrid turn-based, reactive combat.
- Square Enix told shareholders it is aware of the title’s impact and reaffirmed that command-based RPGs are core to its identity with plans to continue making them.
- Sandfall Interactive leaders said winning GOTY would be a welcome bonus, stressing that the studio prioritizes player impact over awards.
- Awards runway: the game has multiple Golden Joystick nominations, has surpassed 5 million sales, and awaits The Game Awards nominations by mid-November ahead of the December 11 ceremony, with Grammy nominations due November 7 for its song bid.