The Japanese magazine Famitsu has announced the results of its annual survey that determines the favorite game of the year among industry developers. In 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has emerged as the big winner, surpassing other notable titles in the top 5. These include Ghost of Yotei, which recalls the previous success of Ghost of Tsushima; Urban Myth Demolition Center, a mysterious proposal in third place; and two Nintendo titles, Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, which occupy the fourth and fifth places, respectively.
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Among the voters are prominent names from the industry, such as the creator of Devil May Cry, Hideki Kamiya, the composer of Silent Hill, Akira Yamaoka, and the director of Street Fighter 6, Takayuki Nakayama. Although the list of results recorded on Famitsu’s website does not reveal the individual choices of each developer, it is common for these to be leaked online later, allowing for the discovery of some curiosities about the industry’s preferences.
The director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 mentioned that, during the development of the game, his team considered implementing artificial intelligence, but ultimately decided not to proceed with it, stating that “they didn’t like it.” This traditional approach to development may have influenced the game’s reception among its peers.
In previous years, Famitsu has recognized titles such as Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Elden Ring, highlighting the relevance and prestige of the survey within the developer community in Japan. With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 joining this list of accolades, the title promises to make a significant impact on the landscape of Japanese video games.