New York Game Awards 15th Anniversary Celebration Concludes with “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” Winning Game of the Year

Last Sunday, the New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) held the 15th annual New York Game Awards ceremony at the SVA Theatre in New York City, celebrating the event’s 15-year legacy. The ceremony not only announced the winners across various categories but also highlighted its ongoing contributions to the gaming industry and community education through a two-day gaming culture festival (GG Fest) and special addresses from industry leaders.

Among the most anticipated awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 claimed the top honor of the “Big Apple Award” for Game of the Year. The indie game Blue Prince received the “Off Broadway Award” for Best Indie Game. Additionally, the specially established “Excelsior Award” for Best NY Game was won by Ball x Pit, the “Knickerbocker Award” for Best Games Journalism was presented to the outlet People Make Games, and The Pokémon Company was honored with the lifetime achievement “Andrew Yoon Legend Award.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the debut of a new song composed and performed by game musician Mega Ran in commemoration of the awards’ 15th anniversary. Meanwhile, the NYVGCC received a proclamation from the New York City Council, and Nintendo of America President Devon Pritchard and Head of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer delivered congratulatory remarks.

The awards were co-hosted by NYVGCC co-founder Harold Goldberg and former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé. All proceeds from the event will support the Circle’s nonprofit “Playing with Purpose” writing initiative, which is dedicated to providing game journalism and narrative writing training and guidance to numerous schools and students across New York City, fostering future talent for the industry.

Major Award Winners:

Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Best Indie Game: Blue Prince

Best Writing in a Game: Blippo+

Best World: Hades II

Best Music in a Game: South of Midnight

Best Acting in a Game: Jennifer English as Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Best AR/VR Game: Lumines Arise

Best Kids Game: Donkey Kong Bananza

Best Mobile Game: Is This Seat Taken?

Best Remake: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Best Hidden Gem: News Tower

Best DLC: Lies of P: Overture

The New York Game Awards is not only a platform for recognizing industry achievements but also an important bridge connecting gaming culture, education, and community development.