Actor Ben Starr, known for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy XVI, said that Marathon will receive the title of game of the year.
He noted that the main winners of recent years – Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – are united not only by genre. Jennifer English played important roles in all three games. Fans even called this the "Jennifer English effect."
At Emerald City Comic Con 2026, host Ashley Robinson reminded of this phenomenon:
You know that Reddit called it the Jennifer English effect? A game that gradually gains popularity after the release of Clair Obscur.
The actress herself reacted:
That's very sweet! What?
Starr linked this to the future of Marathon:
This means that Marathon will become the game of the year.
The panel took place on the same weekend when Marathon was first shown to the public. The game did not cause the same hype as Clair Obscur, but it has its own audience.
