Sandfall Interactive‘s hit RPG sweeps The Game Awards 2025, while Blizzard stuns fans with the Paladin class reveal and Tomb Raider returns with two new titles.
LOS ANGELES — The 2025 edition of The Game Awards (TGA) concluded late Thursday, marking a historic night for Xbox partners and RPG enthusiasts. While major franchises battled for prestige, the night belonged to the breakout hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which secured multiple major wins, validating Sandfall Interactive‘s ambitious strategy. The event also served as a launchpad for massive announcements, including the long-awaited return of the Paladin class to Diablo IV and a surprise double reveal for the Tomb Raider franchise.
Clair Obscur Steals the Show
In a crowded field of AAA contenders, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as the evening’s critical darling. The game, celebrated for its unique blend of turn-based tactics and real-time mechanics, was honored for its artistic direction and innovative gameplay. Xbox leadership praised the title as the standout success of the year for their platform, noting that its availability on Game Pass has driven record engagement.
Diablo IV: The Paladin Returns
Blizzard Entertainment delivered the night’s biggest applause with the reveal of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the game’s second major expansion set for release on April 28, 2026.
The trailer confirmed what fans have been demanding for years: the holy warrior is back. The expansion introduces the Paladin class, allowing players to wield divine light against the forces of darkness in the new region of Skovos. The update promises a revamped endgame and a new skill tree focused on “choice and mastery,” pitting players against Mephisto, the Prime Evil.
Tomb Raider’s Double Feature
In a shock announcement, Crystal Dynamics revealed two separate projects. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis appears to return to the series’ classic roots, while Tomb Raider: Catalyst promises to push the modern survival narrative forward. This dual strategy aims to satisfy both nostalgic fans and the modern audience.
Horror Highlights: Control and Ontos
The night also featured significant reveals for horror fans. Remedy Entertainment debuted the first footage of Control Resonant, a sequel promising a darker exploration of the Oldest House. Additionally, Frictional Games, creators of Amnesia, unveiled Ontos, a psychological horror IP focused on consciousness and isolation.
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Clair Obscur’s sweep really shows how fresh storytelling and innovative gameplay can shake up the RPG scene. Also, seeing Diablo IV bring back the Paladin is such a great nod to longtime fans—can’t wait to dive in! Tomb Raider’s double reveal has me excited for what’s next in that series too.