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There was little room for doubt. Even before The Game Awards ceremony, Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur Expedition 33 appeared all but certain to win the coveted “Game of the Year” title. Having already claimed the GOTY 2025 award at several other prestigious events, its popularity was undeniable. Yet, despite its widespread acclaim, some questioned whether it truly deserved the top prize, igniting controversy across the gaming community.
Was Clair Obscur’s GOTY 2025 victory undeserved?
On Thursday night, all eyes in the gaming world were on The Game Awards, the industry’s most prestigious event. It was here that Clair Obscur received the ultimate accolade. One award, then two, then three… in total, Sandfall’s debut title took home nine trophies, including the coveted “Game of the Year 2025,” setting a new record five years after The Last of Us 2 won seven awards.
However, not everyone shared in the celebration. Warhorse Studio, the developers behind Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, were quick to express their frustration. As Clair Obscur scooped up both the “Best RPG” and “Best Narrative” awards, the studio’s community manager responded with the now-famous “This is fine” meme, a dog awkwardly smiling amidst flames, on the official Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 X account.
But the controversy didn’t end there. Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, Warhorse’s communications director, took to social media after the ceremony to proclaim, “We have officially been robbed!” The studio appeared particularly aggrieved by Clair Obscur’s victories in categories where Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 had been strong contenders, including the ultimate GOTY award. Some see it as a joke, others don’t.
Fans join the debate
Warhorse’s remarks quickly sparked a wave of online reactions. Many fans voiced support for the studio, especially regarding Clair Obscur’s win in the “Best RPG” category, where it defeated KDC 2. Some even went as far as to call the results a “joke,” questioning how Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 could have lost. However, others countered that the game remained their personal GOTY, regardless of the awards.
At the same time, many players took issue with Warhorse’s reaction, accusing the studio of lacking “sportsmanship.” Online users were quick to label the response as “unprofessional, immature, and disrespectful,” arguing that it undermined the hard work of their peers in the gaming industry who had earned their own accolades through dedication and skill.
In the aftermath of the ceremony, the debate rages on: Was Clair Obscur’s victory genuinely deserved, or did Warhorse’s reaction shift the focus away from the celebration of gaming excellence? Only time will tell whether this year’s GOTY award will remain broadly accepted, or if the controversy will continue to polarize the gaming community.
Source: X
