"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Creates 2025 GotY Contender Amid Ubisoft Boredom"

Discover the inspiring journey behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the highest-rated game of 2025 that sold over 1 million copies in just three days. This instant classic was born out of the creative boredom of its director and the innovative spirit of Sandfall Interactive. Dive into the story of how this game came to life and the formation of the team behind it.

Doing Something Different

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has captivated gamers worldwide, earning the title of the year's top-rated game. The project's inception is a fascinating tale of creativity sparked by boredom. In a May 4th interview with BBC News, Sandfall Interactive's director, Guillaume Broche, shared how the idea for the game emerged during the 2020 pandemic while he was working at Ubisoft. Feeling restless, Broche turned to his childhood love for the JRPG series, Final Fantasy, and decided to create something unique.

His journey began on Reddit, where he sought to gather a team passionate about his vision.

A Stroke of Luck

Broche's approach to team-building was unconventional yet effective. He posted on Reddit and online forums, looking for like-minded individuals to join his Belle Époque-inspired turn-based game project. Despite the niche appeal of the concept at the time, his persistence paid off.

Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, who was under lockdown in Australia, stumbled upon Broche's Reddit post seeking voice actors. Intrigued, she auditioned and was initially cast for a major role. Her involvement soon expanded to become the lead writer for Expedition 33.

Leaving Ubisoft behind, Broche focused entirely on his vision, founding Sandfall Interactive. With funding from publisher Kepler Interactive, the team grew to around 30 members. Many, including composer Lorien Testard, were discovered through creative channels like Soundcloud.

The support from Kepler Interactive allowed them to bring on board renowned actors such as Charlie Cox, Ben Starr, Jennifer English, and Andy Serkis, adding depth to the game's narrative.

Throughout the development, Broche and Svedberg-Yen took on multiple roles, highlighting the versatility and dedication of the team. Svedberg-Yen also handled translations, showcasing the team's commitment to delivering a high-quality experience across different languages. Broche praised the team, noting, "We have, I think, an amazing team mostly of junior people but they are so incredibly invested in the project and talented."

The magical origins of Expedition 33 reflect the enchanting nature of the game itself. Fueled by boredom and serendipity, Sandfall Interactive crafted a masterpiece that promises to be cherished for generations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news by checking out our article below!