New York Game Awards 2026: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wins Game of the Year

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | Image Credit: Sandfall

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned Game of the Year (Big Apple Award) at the 15th Annual New York Game Awards.

The ceremony, hosted by the New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVFCC), celebrated a diverse lineup of titles across multiple categories, highlighting both blockbuster releases and hidden gems.

Expedition 33 didn’t just secure the top honor; it also earned recognition in the Best Acting category (Great White Way Award), with Jennifer English praised for her performance as Maelle. Just last month, she also won at The Game Awards for the same role.

Other standout winners included:

• Best Indie Game – Dogubomb’s Blue Prince

• Best Mobile Game – Poti Poti Studio’s This Seat Taken

• Best Kids Game – Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza

• Best New York Game (Excelsior Award) – Kenny Sun’s Ball x Pit - recognition for local studios

The awards also honored industry legends. The Pokémon franchise received the prestigious Andrew Yoon Legend Award, celebrating its three-decade legacy.

“For 30 years, the franchise has grown to become the most recognisable game series in the world and is beloved by its unique monster designs that have compelled players young and old to catch 'em all,” said Harold Goldberg, founder and president of the NYVFCC.

Last year’s recipient was Remedy’s creative director, Sam Lake.

Other winners are:

• Best World – Hades II by Supergiant Games

• Best Hidden Gem – News Tower by Sparrow Night

• Best Games Journalism – People Make Games, which received the Knickerbocker Award

• Best Writing – Blippo+

• Best Music – South of Midnight

• Best AR/VR Game – Lumines Arise

• Best Remake – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

• Best DLC – Lies of P: Overture

The event also carried symbolic weight, as the NYVFCC was honored with a proclamation from the New York City Council in recognition of its 15th anniversary. Special remarks were delivered by Nintendo of America President and COO Devon Pritchard, alongside Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer.