Discover the fascinating story behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that emerged from the boredom of its director and soared to become the highest-rated title of 2025. Dive into the journey of how Sandfall Interactive was born and what inspired the creation of this acclaimed game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom
Doing Something Different
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has cemented its place as an instant classic, clinching the title of the highest-rated game of 2025 and achieving over 1 million sales within just three days. What's even more intriguing is that this game-of-the-year contender was born from the director's boredom and a yearning for innovation.
In a May 4 interview with BBC News, the developers at Sandfall Interactive shared the origin story of their groundbreaking game. Director Guillaume Broche revealed that the project initially stemmed from his need to alleviate boredom. Amidst the peak of the 2020 pandemic, while working at Ubisoft, Broche felt restless and was struck with an idea for a new game.
Inspired by his childhood favorite, the JRPG series Final Fantasy, Broche set out to create a game that echoed his passion. His journey began on Reddit, where he sought like-minded collaborators.
A Stroke of Luck
To realize his vision, Broche reached out to potential team members through Reddit and various online forums. At the time, the concept of Expedition 33—a game featuring Belle Époque-inspired, classic turn-based gameplay—did not immediately capture the public's imagination. Nevertheless, Broche's determination remained unshaken as he continued to seek out enthusiasts for his passion project.
During the Australian lockdown, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen stumbled upon Broche's Reddit post seeking voice actors. Intrigued and eager to try something new, she auditioned and was initially cast as a major character. Her role evolved, and she eventually became the lead writer for Expedition 33.
Broche eventually left Ubisoft to focus entirely on Expedition 33, founding Sandfall Interactive. With funding from publisher Kepler Interactive, the core team expanded to around 30 members. Many of these talented individuals were found through unconventional means, including composer Lorien Testard, who connected with the team via Soundcloud.
Thanks to Kepler Interactive's support, Sandfall Interactive was able to enlist renowned actors such as Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI), Jennifer English (Baldur's Gate 3), and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings), enhancing the game's appeal.
Despite the growing team, Broche and Svedberg-Yen emphasized their versatility, taking on multiple roles throughout the game's development. Svedberg-Yen, for example, managed translations into various languages. Broche praised the team, saying, "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 are as enchanting as the game itself. Driven by boredom and fortunate connections, Sandfall Interactive crafted a timeless game that promises to captivate players for years to come. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest on the game by clicking on our article below!
