Expedition 33 Wins Game of the Year: Why This Game Defined a New Era
At this year’s Game Awards, Expedition 33 emerged as one of the biggest winners, taking home Game of the Year (GOTY) and instantly cementing itself as a modern classic. Blending emotional storytelling, innovative gameplay systems, and a bold artistic vision, the game stood out in a year packed with strong contenders.
But what exactly is Expedition 33 — and why did it resonate so deeply with players and critics alike?
What Is Expedition 33?
Expedition 33 is a narrative-driven RPG set in a surreal, painterly world ruled by an eerie and relentless rule: every year, a number is painted across the sky, and everyone of that age disappears. The number is counting down. This year, it’s 33.
You play as part of an expedition sent to stop the cycle — knowing full well that time is not on your side.
The game blends:
- Dark fantasy themes
- Philosophical questions about mortality and time
- Deep character-driven storytelling
- Stylish turn-based combat with real-time elements
Rather than relying on shock value or spectacle alone, Expedition 33 builds tension slowly, emotionally, and intelligently.
Why Expedition 33 Won GOTY
1. A Bold, Original Concept
In an industry full of sequels and safe bets, Expedition 33 took risks. Its central mechanic — a literal countdown tied to human existence — isn’t just lore; it’s embedded in the gameplay, the pacing, and the emotional weight of every decision.
2. Gameplay That Feels Fresh
The combat system reimagines classic RPG mechanics:
- Turn-based strategy mixed with timing-based actions
- Tactical depth without overwhelming complexity
- Battles that feel cinematic yet thoughtful
3. Emotional Storytelling That Sticks
What truly elevated Expedition 33 was its writing. Companions feel human. Dialogue feels purposeful. Loss, hope, and urgency are ever-present — not forced, but earned.
4. Artistic Direction & Sound Design
The game’s visual style — inspired by surreal art and muted, painterly environments — made it instantly recognizable. Combined with a haunting soundtrack, Expedition 33 felt less like a product and more like a living piece of art.
A Game Awards Moment That Felt Earned
When Expedition 33 was announced as Game of the Year, the reaction wasn’t surprise — it was validation. This was a win for:
- Original IP
- Narrative-focused games
- RPG fans hungry for innovation
It proved that games can still surprise us.
Part 2: How to Create Your Own “Expedition-Style” Game Using Rosebud AI
Inspired by Expedition 33? The good news: you don’t need a full studio or years of coding experience to create a similar narrative-driven RPG.
With Rosebud AI, you can create your own expedition-style game using natural language and AI-powered game creation tools.
Step 1: Start With a Strong Core Idea
Expedition 33 works because it has a clear emotional hook.
Examples you could use:
- A countdown tied to memory loss
- A world where colors disappear each year
- A journey where characters age rapidly as you progress
Keep it simple, symbolic, and meaningful.
Step 2: Go to Rosebud AI and Create Your Game
- Visit https://rosebud.ai
- Start a new project
- Describe your game idea in plain language
Example prompt:
“Create a narrative RPG where a group of characters travels through a surreal world to stop a yearly curse. The game should feature turn-based combat, emotional dialogue, and choices that affect the story outcome.”
Rosebud AI will generate:
- Core gameplay logic
- Character systems
- Dialogue structure
- A playable prototype
No coding required. You can try the playable demo here, where I’m currently building and testing the game’s combat system.
Step 3: Shape the Gameplay Loop
To mirror the feel of Expedition 33, focus on:
- Small party-based combat
- Meaningful story decisions
- A clear sense of progression and urgency
You can quickly tweak mechanics, pacing, and difficulty using Rosebud’s AI game editor.
Step 4: Polish the Experience
Use Rosebud AI to:
- Rewrite dialogue
- Adjust tone and themes
- Add branching story paths
- Experiment with different endings
This is where your game becomes personal — and memorable.
Why AI Game Creation Changes Everything
Games like Expedition 33 show how powerful storytelling can be. AI game makers like Rosebud AI make it possible for creators, writers, and designers — not just engineers — to build those worlds themselves.
Whether you’re experimenting, prototyping, or aiming to publish your own RPG, AI game creation lowers the barrier while keeping creativity front and center.
Final Thoughts
Expedition 33 didn’t just win GOTY — it reminded players why games matter. Emotion. Risk. Art. Meaning.
And now, with modern AI game creation tools, you don’t just have to play games like this — you can create them yourself.
The next great expedition might be yours.
Patrick Moumiet
Patrick is a marketer at Rosebud with a background as a content creator and social media strategist. He has launched courses and coaching programs in social media marketing and content creation, coaching 500+ large-scale influencers customers. On the Rosebud blog, he writes about consumer AI and how to make money with AI, exploring ways to combine state-of-the-art models with Rosebud’s creative tools.