As part of The Game Awards, Epic Games has announced its latest free game giveaway—and it’s a big one. Hogwarts Legacy, the 2023 hit set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is now available for free on the Epic Games Store for one week.

Figure 1. Clair Obscur Triumphs: Game of the Year Winner.

Usually, Epic reveals upcoming free games a week in advance, but last week’s announcement kept fans guessing. The thumbnail for the Dec. 11 giveaway featured a wrapped holiday present with a bow, teasing viewers to tune in to The Game Awards for the big reveal. Figure 1 shows Clair Obscur Triumphs: Game of the Year Winner.

Epic is especially generous during the holiday season, often offering multiple high-profile games in quick succession. In 2024 alone, the store gave away over a dozen titles in the two weeks before the new year, including Dredge, Control, and Sifu.

To claim Hogwarts Legacy for free, simply log in to the Epic Games Store before Thursday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. EST, when the next mystery giveaway will be unveiled.

Clair Obscur, the debut title from French indie studio Sandfall Interactive, achieved a historic milestone by winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards, a rare feat for a first-time developer.

Dominance Across Awards

Beyond the top prize, the game excelled in multiple categories, taking home Best Art Direction, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Performance, Best Score and Music, Best Independent Game, Best RPG, and Best Debut Game, highlighting its all-around excellence.

Standout Performances

Jennifer English won Best Performance for her role as Maelle, one of three Clair Obscur nominees in the acting category, demonstrating the game’s strong storytelling and character development.

From Underdog to Favorite

Starting the year as an unknown, Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive overcame expectations, outshining established studios and high-profile releases to capture both critical acclaim and player attention.

Factors Behind the Success

Cinematic storytelling, a story-forward RPG design, widespread critical praise, and visibility on platforms like Xbox Game Pass helped propel Clair Obscur to the forefront, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated games of 2025.

Source: Polygon

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Historic Win: Clair Obscur Claims Game of the Year, AnaTechMaz, pp.365