Discover how the director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 transformed his boredom into the creation of 2025's highest-rated game. Dive into the inspiring journey of Sandfall Interactive and the passion that fueled the development of this instant classic.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom
Doing Something Different
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has swiftly risen to fame, securing the title of the highest-rated game of 2025 and selling over 1 million copies in just three days. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it stemmed from sheer boredom and a desire to innovate.
In an interview with BBC News on May 4, the developers from Sandfall Interactive shared the origin story of the game. Director Guillaume Broche disclosed that the project was born out of his restlessness while working at Ubisoft during the peak of the 2020 pandemic. Inspired by his childhood love for the Final Fantasy series, Broche embarked on a journey to create a game that echoed the JRPG genre he adored.
A Stroke of Luck
Broche's quest to materialize his vision began with reaching out to potential team members on Reddit and various online forums. His initial concept of a Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based gameplay didn't immediately captivate the masses, yet his persistence paid off.
During Australia's lockdown, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen stumbled upon Broche's call for voice actors on Reddit. Intrigued and eager to try something new, she auditioned and was initially cast as a major character. Her role soon evolved, leading her to become 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 team expanded to about 30 members, many of whom were found through unconventional means. Composer Lorien Testard, for example, joined after connecting with the team via Soundcloud.
With Kepler Interactive's backing, 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.
Throughout the development process, Broche and Svedberg-Yen emphasized the versatility of their team. "We wore many different hats," they noted, with Svedberg-Yen also handling translations. Broche praised the team's dedication and talent, despite many being junior members.
The magical origins of Expedition 33 mirror the enchantment of the game itself. Born from boredom and a touch of luck, Sandfall Interactive has crafted a timeless game destined to be enjoyed for generations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news by clicking on our article below!
