For years, Elden Ring stood as the undisputed benchmark of modern video games. Its impact on the industry went far beyond sales, redefining open-world RPG design and dominating award ceremonies worldwide. With hundreds of “Game of the Year” wins, Elden Ring became the title many believed would remain untouchable for years to come.
That perception began to change with the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which launched just last year and quickly drew attention for entirely different reasons. Instead of scale, the game focused on atmosphere, narrative depth, and a bold reinterpretation of turn-based combat. What initially looked like a critically acclaimed newcomer soon evolved into something far more significant.
Clair Obscur has now officially surpassed Elden Ring, becoming the most awarded “Game of the Year” title of all time. Expedition 33 currently sits at 436 Game of the Year awards, overtaking Elden Ring’s previous record of 429. The game also holds the record for being the most awarded title ever at the Geoff Game of the Year Awards, cementing its place in gaming history.
This achievement reflects more than just numbers. Clair Obscur is widely credited with reviving mainstream interest in turn-based RPGs, challenging long-held assumptions about the genre’s commercial and critical limitations. Its success has reignited conversations about design-focused experiences in an era often dominated by massive open worlds.
Player response has mirrored its critical reception. Expedition 33 now ranks as the highest-rated user-scored game on Metacritic, highlighting a rare alignment between professional critics and the broader player base. Few games manage to achieve both on this scale.
Elden Ring’s legacy remains unquestioned, but the record books have changed. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has not only matched history, it has rewritten it.
With the industry witnessing such a dramatic shift at the top, all eyes are now on what comes next. Can Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 maintain this momentum and define the future of RPGs, or will another heavyweight eventually reclaim the throne? More importantly, does this success signal a lasting return of turn-based games to the mainstream or is this a once-in-a-generation phenomenon?
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