The gaming industry’s shift towards larger budgets and more elaborate productions has led to the decline of mid-budget games, commonly referred to as “AA” games. However, this trend may be reversing itself with two critically acclaimed titles, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Split Fiction, that are pushing the boundaries of what AA games can offer.
Both games have received universal acclaim from critics and players alike, earning top marks on review platforms such as Metacritic and Opencritic. Their success is attributed to their focus on specific genres and gameplay mechanics, rather than trying to appeal to a broad audience.
Clair Obscur is a turn-based RPG that pays homage to the classic Final Fantasy games of the 2000s, while Split Fiction offers a unique co-operative gaming experience. Both titles demonstrate that mid-budget productions can produce high-quality experiences without sacrificing ambition or scope.
The comeback of AA games as front-runners for Game of the Year at The Game Awards in December is a heartening sign for the industry’s sustainability. If these games are crowned GOTY, it will confirm that the AA resurgence is underway and signal a shift towards more modest budgets and creative freedom.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/awards/599594/goty-2025-clair-obscur-split-fiction-aa