The Surprising Winner of Japan's Game of the Year Poll

Japan's game developers have spoken, and their top pick for the year's best game might surprise you. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a Japanese role-playing game, took the crown in a recent poll conducted by a popular gaming magazine. This isn't the first time the magazine has asked developers to share their favorites. In past years, big names like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Elden Ring have won. The top five list shows a mix of genres and styles. Ghost of Yotei, a game inspired by the success of Ghost of Tsushima, came in second. Urban Myth Demolition Center, a mystery game, secured the third spot. Nintendo fans will be happy to know that two of their games made it to the list: Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, taking fourth and fifth places respectively.The poll included votes from well-known figures in the gaming industry. Names like Hideki Kamiya, the creator of Devil May Cry, and Akira Yamaoka, the composer for Silent Hill, were among those who participated. While the magazine didn't share individual votes, past polls have revealed some interesting choices. For example, in 2024, Final Fantasy 14's producer voted only for his own game, and a former Castlevania producer chose a collection of his past work as his top pick. This year's results show that Japanese developers have a diverse range of tastes. The winner, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, might not be as well-known internationally as some other games on the list. But its victory proves that there's more to Japanese gaming than just big franchises. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best games are the ones that fly under the radar.