Golden Lance for Best New IP
New IPs are the lifeblood of the industry. They provide creators with the maximum amount of flexibility to bring artistic visions to life. They are inherently risky. To create something from nothing always is. That is what makes it so critical to celebrate them, though. New IPs are dreams come to life. New IP, particularly big-budget new IP, had a banner year this year. Where many times this award looks at smaller independent developers, this year, heavy hitters came to play. With that said, here is the winner of Lords of Gaming’s 2025 Golden Lance Award for Best New IP.
Best New IP – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as the best new IP because it brings a completely fresh concept to gaming. In a market full of sequels and remakes, its original world and storyline feel bold and exciting. It breaks the barrier by engaging in a storyline that is so broken away from traditional IP that it redefines what gamers can expect in terms of a story. The stunning visuals and art style create a deeply immersive atmosphere that immediately captures attention, while its innovative gameplay blends exploration, strategy, and emotional storytelling in a way that feels truly unique.
It skillfully blends turn-based gameplay with action elements to make the game very exciting. On top of that, the deep narrative promises rich lore and memorable characters, making it more than just a game—it’s an experience. With strong early impressions and community buzz, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sets a new standard for what a groundbreaking IP should be and what gamers can expect.
Runner-Up – Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked deserves Best New IP because it achieves something genuinely rare: it reinvents the tabletop fantasy experience for a new medium without losing the soul of what makes D&D iconic. This isn’t just a VR experiment—it’s a fully realized world with its own identity, its own tone, and a bold artistic voice that merges the tactile charm of physical tabletop play with cinematic presentation and world-class narration.
The classes, enemies, and campaigns feel handcrafted rather than derivative, delivering adventures that honor Forgotten Realms authenticity while establishing a fresh, cohesive universe unique to Battlemarked. It’s immersive, mechanically satisfying, visually stunning, and narratively confident. In a year full of sequels and safe bets, Battlemarked stands out as a new IP that takes risks, innovates with purpose, and sets a new standard for what VR fantasy adventures can be.
