"Clair Obscur Director, Bored at Ubisoft, Creates 2025 GotY Contender"

Discover the captivating journey behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that not only became the highest-rated title of 2025 but also sold over 1 million copies in just three days. This instant classic was born from the director's boredom and a desire to innovate, leading to the formation of Sandfall Interactive.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom

Doing Something Different

In an interview with BBC News on May 4, the developers from Sandfall Interactive shared the fascinating story of how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came to life. Director Guillaume Broche admitted that the project was initially a remedy for his boredom while working at Ubisoft during the peak of the 2020 pandemic. Inspired by his lifelong love for the JRPG series Final Fantasy, Broche set out to create a game that echoed the genre's magic, starting his journey on Reddit.

A Stroke of Luck

Broche's vision began with outreach on Reddit and online forums, seeking collaborators for his Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based gameplay concept. Despite initial skepticism, his persistence paid off. Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, who was in lockdown in Australia, responded to a Reddit post seeking voice actors. Initially auditioning for a major character, she eventually became the lead writer for Expedition 33.

After leaving Ubisoft, Broche fully committed to Expedition 33, founding Sandfall Interactive. With funding from Kepler Interactive, the team grew to around 30 members, many found through unconventional means. Composer Lorien Testard, for instance, connected with the team via Soundcloud. The support from Kepler allowed them to engage renowned actors like Charlie Cox, Ben Starr, Jennifer English, and Andy Serkis, elevating the game's appeal.

Throughout production, Broche and Svedberg-Yen took on multiple roles, with Svedberg-Yen also handling translations. 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 story of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is as enchanting as the game itself, a testament to what can be achieved with creativity, determination, and a bit of luck. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 promises to be a timeless experience. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by clicking on our article below!