GDC Awards 2026

The nominees for the 26th annual Game Developers Choice Awards (GDC Awards) have been officially announced, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has emerged as this year’s clear frontrunner.

The RPG from French studio Sandfall Interactive earned an impressive eight nominations, making it the most recognized title at the upcoming ceremony.

The winners will be revealed on March 13 during the Game Developers Conference.

Expedition 33 Dominates Multiple Categories

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 appears across a wide range of categories, highlighting its broad critical impact. The game received nominations in:

  • Best Audio
  • Best Debut
  • Best Design
  • Innovation Award
  • Best Narrative
  • Best Technology
  • Best Visual Art
  • Game of the Year

This cross-category recognition positions the title as one of the most influential releases of the year.

Ghost of Yōtei Also Makes a Strong Showing

Another major contender is Ghost of Yōtei, the samurai action title that secured five nominations. It appears in key categories including Best Audio, Best Narrative, Best Technology, Best Visual Art, and Game of the Year.

The competition for the top award looks especially tight this year.

Game of the Year Nominees

The nominees for Game of the Year are:

  • Blue Prince
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Ghost of Yōtei
  • Hollow Knight: Silksong
  • Split Fiction

Honorable mentions include Absolum, BALL x PIT, and Hades II.

Other Key Categories

Best Audio

Nominees include:

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
  • Ghost of Yōtei
  • Rift of the NecroDancer
  • South of Midnight

Best Narrative

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • despelote
  • Dispatch
  • Ghost of Yōtei
  • Split Fiction

Best Technology

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Ghost of Yōtei
  • Split Fiction

Best Visual Art

  • Absolum
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
  • Ghost of Yōtei
  • Hades II
  • Keeper

Innovation Award

  • BALL x PIT
  • Baby Steps
  • Blue Prince
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Donkey Kong Bananza

Best Debut

  • BALL x PIT
  • Blue Prince
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Dispatch

Best Design

  • BALL x PIT
  • Blue Prince
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Split Fiction

Social Impact Award

Nominees include:

  • and Roger
  • Consume Me
  • despelote
  • Dispatch

A Competitive Year for Developers

This year’s nominations highlight a diverse range of genres — from ambitious RPGs and cinematic action titles to experimental indie projects. However, the spotlight clearly belongs to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which now stands as the most nominated title of GDC 2026.

Whether it can convert those nominations into trophies will be revealed in March.

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