In a surprising yet exciting announcement, Kim Hyung-tae, the director of Stellar Blade, has revealed that his current Game of the Year 2025 is none other than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a breakout hit from Sandfall Interactive.
Taking to Twitter, Kim praised the turn-based RPG for its quality and depth, stating that he completed the game in 96 hours and even earned the Platinum Trophy, a feat that requires finishing nearly all in-game content.
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is my GOTY. Thanks to Sandfall Interactive for the amazing experience,” Kim wrote in a Twitter post.
This endorsement is particularly noteworthy coming from the creator of Stellar Blade, an action-adventure title that launched on April 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5, with a PC port scheduled for June 2025. Known for its stylish combat and narrative depth, Stellar Blade itself is a strong contender for Game of the Year—but Kim’s humble admiration for a fellow studio’s work showcases the supportive spirit within the industry.
Meanwhile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has taken the gaming world by storm. The game sold over two million copies within just 12 days of release and is also available on Xbox Series X/S and PC via Game Pass, dramatically boosting its reach. Physical editions are in such high demand that they’re currently selling out, with scalpers even trying to cash in on the hype.
Kim’s praise highlights the massive impact of Sandfall Interactive’s debut title and adds even more momentum to the game’s already glowing reputation. As the 2025 awards season approaches, it’s clear that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be a major contender—especially now with high-profile developers like Kim Hyung-tae backing it as a personal favorite.