The role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was named Game of the Year at the 29th annual DICE awards ceremony held in Las Vegas on February 13, 2026. The title, developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive, secured the night’s highest honor alongside several other awards, marking a significant achievement for the French studio.
The awards are presented by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, a professional organization representing all facets of the video game industry. The event recognizes outstanding achievements in game design, development, and production from the previous calendar year.
A Night of Multiple Accolades
Beyond the top prize, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earned recognition in multiple key categories. It received awards for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction and Role-Playing Game of the Year. This multi-category success underscores the game’s broad impact across artistic and technical disciplines within the industry.
The game is a turn-based RPG set in a stylized, painterly world inspired by French art nouveau. Its narrative revolves around a mysterious entity known as the Paintress, who annually erases people from existence. Players lead an expedition to confront this threat before the countdown concludes.
Competition and Industry Context
The other nominees for Game of the Year included several high-profile releases from 2025. These contenders were Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games, the action title Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn from A44 Games, the space exploration game The Outer Worlds 2 by Obsidian Entertainment, and the survival horror sequel Silent Hill 2 from Bloober Team.
The victory for an original intellectual property from a relatively new studio is noted by industry observers as a highlight of the ceremony. It demonstrates the competitive landscape where new franchises can succeed against established blockbuster series.
Developer and Publisher Reaction
Following the win, representatives from Sandfall Interactive expressed gratitude to the Academy and the game’s community. In statements, the team highlighted the collaborative effort involved in the project’s development over several years. Kepler Interactive, the publisher, acknowledged the achievement as a validation of its partnership model with independent developers.
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has not released official viewership figures for the 2026 ceremony. However, industry analysts often view the DICE Awards as a key indicator of peer recognition, as winners are selected by a vote among Academy members, who are industry professionals.
Future Implications and Next Steps
The awards are expected to increase visibility and commercial interest in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Industry analysts anticipate a potential surge in player engagement and sales following the publicity of the Game of the Year win. The recognition may also influence future project funding and development priorities within Sandfall Interactive and its publishing partners.
Looking ahead, the Academy will soon begin the nomination process for the 30th annual DICE Awards, which will cover games released throughout 2026. The specific criteria and timeline for submissions will be announced on the official AIAS website in the coming months. Meanwhile, Sandfall Interactive has not announced any immediate plans for downloadable content or a sequel, stating the team is currently focused on supporting the existing game.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
