Discover the fascinating journey behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that not only captured the hearts of millions but also emerged as the highest-rated title of 2025. Learn about the creative spark that ignited this project and the formation of Sandfall Interactive.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom
Doing Something Different
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has solidified its status as an instant classic, achieving the coveted title of the highest-rated game of 2025 and selling over 1 million copies within just three days. Remarkably, this game-of-the-year contender was born from the director's sense of boredom and a yearning for innovation.
In an exclusive interview with BBC News on May 4, Sandfall Interactive's developers shared the origins of this groundbreaking title. Director Guillaume Broche disclosed that the project began as a personal endeavor to combat his restlessness while working at Ubisoft during the peak of the 2020 pandemic. Inspired by his lifelong admiration for the Final Fantasy series, Broche set out to create a similar JRPG, kickstarting his journey on Reddit.
A Stroke of Luck
To bring his vision to life, Broche reached out to potential collaborators through Reddit and various online forums. Despite initial skepticism about the Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based gameplay concept of Expedition 33, Broche's persistence paid off. While under lockdown in Australia, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen responded to a Reddit post seeking voice actors. Initially cast for a major role, she later became the lead writer for the project.
Broche eventually left Ubisoft to focus entirely on Expedition 33, founding Sandfall Interactive in the process. With funding from publisher Kepler Interactive, the team expanded to around 30 members, many of whom were discovered through unconventional channels. Composer Lorien Testard, for example, joined the team after connecting via Soundcloud.
Thanks to Kepler Interactive's backing, Sandfall Interactive was able to collaborate with renowned actors like Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI), Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3), and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings).
Throughout the game's development, both Broche and Svedberg-Yen took on multiple roles. Svedberg-Yen, for instance, handled translations into various languages, showcasing the team's versatility. "We have, I think, an amazing team mostly of junior people but they are so incredibly invested in the project and talented," Broche remarked, highlighting the dedication and skill of his team.
The magical origins of Expedition 33 reflect the enchanting nature of the game itself. Driven by a blend of boredom and serendipity, Sandfall Interactive crafted a masterpiece that promises to entertain players for generations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates on the game, click on our article below!
