The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has revealed the official list of nominations for the 29th Annual DICE Awards. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is among the big favorites, with eight major nominations, a total that only a few games manage to reach each year.
The RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive is notably in the running for the title of Game of the Year, alongside ARC Raiders, Dispatch, Blue Prince and Ghost of Yotei. A recognition that comes several months after its release, proof that the impact of the game has not faded over time.
An already impressive track record since its release
Released in April 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 immediately won over critics and players. Its unique universe, its careful narration and its turn-based combat system have contributed to its critical success. By the end of the year, the game had already made history by winning nine awards at The Game Awards 2025.
Among these distinctions were the award for Game of the Year and that of Best Performance, awarded to Jennifer English for her interpretation of the character of Maelle. These accolades solidified Expedition 33’s place among the decade’s most notable RPGs.
Eight nominations in key categories
At the 2026 DICE Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is nominated in particularly coveted categories. The game is competing for Best Artistic Direction, Role Playing Game of the Year, Best Narration and Best Original Musical Composition.
It also appears in the categories related to game direction, design and character creation, confirming the overall balance of the project. This recognition by industry peers further strengthens the legitimacy of the title in the face of productions with much higher budgets.
Sandfall Interactive already looking to the future
Building on this success, Sandfall Interactive has not rested on its achievements. The studio recently deployed a free update bringing a new end-game dungeon, new equipment and several technical improvements. A way to thank a community that is still active.
If no new project has yet been officially revealed, the studio claims to continue to follow its creative approach, guided by instinct and personal taste. In the meantime, all eyes are on the DICE Awards ceremony, which will be held on February 12, 2026 in Las Vegas.