Awards season in the gaming world has quietly evolved into an annual celebration of one particular truth: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 star Ben Starr is, without question, one of the industry’s brightest personalities. Every year he manages to charm audiences with his trademark chaos, heartfelt sincerity, and a willingness to say what most people are too afraid to voice. This time, he used his spotlight not only to entertain but also to call out the industry’s ongoing struggle with mass layoffs — something many have been thinking, but few dare to state aloud.
Though Starr has been acting for years, his rise to gaming fame began with his powerful performance as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI back in 2023. His infectious energy at The Game Awards that year catapulted him into the hearts of gamers worldwide. Since then, he’s doubled down on his reputation as a dedicated performer, even embodying Jimbo — the bizarre Joker mascot — in viral ads for the breakout card game Balatro.
Now, in 2024, Starr has earned multiple award nominations for his role as Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, reaffirming both his talent and his irresistible stage presence.
At the November 20 Golden Joystick Awards, Starr appeared onstage dressed as a life-size Balatro card, complete with a face cutout that placed him humorously at the top of the “trophy.” “I am classically trained, Golden Joystick–winning actor Ben Starr,” he announced with theatrical bravado, reminding everyone why he has become such a beloved chaos agent. “Isn’t independence empowering? You can do whatever you want.”
But as usual, behind the humor was something deeper.
When he accepted the award for Best Supporting Performer for Sandfall Interactive’s Expedition 33, Starr shifted tone. He spoke about Verso — a fractured, divisive character whose flaws mirror those of real people. “That’s what this industry does best,” he explained. “It gives us imperfect characters who reflect the lives we’re living out here. Because life, as we all know… is fucking hard.”
He then turned directly to the issue that’s been haunting the gaming world for years:
“This industry is hard. We are celebrating incredible games tonight, but many people who should be here aren’t — because they were laid off.”
An audience member shouted back, “Well said, Ben,” capturing the collective sentiment in the room.
Starr praised Sandfall for treating their team with dignity — a value he believes directly shapes the quality of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. According to him, the studio didn’t chase trends or algorithms. They focused on people. They wrote broken characters, complicated characters, characters players might even despise — and that authenticity is what made the game resonate.
This year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took home seven Golden Joysticks and shattered expectations by earning 12 nominations at The Game Awards. Given the heartfelt honesty and chaotic brilliance of Starr’s speeches, many fans are joking that he should deliver every acceptance speech from here on out.