Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s director was bored, so he created 2025’s highest-rated game. Dive into the fascinating story behind the creation of this instant classic and the formation of Sandfall Interactive.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom
Doing Something Different
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has captivated gamers worldwide, earning the title of the highest-rated game of 2025 and selling over 1 million copies within just three days. This game-of-the-year contender emerged from a surprising source: boredom and a longing for something unique.
In an interview with BBC News on May 4, Sandfall Interactive's developers shared the origins of the game. Director Guillaume Broche explained that the project began as a personal remedy for his boredom. Amid the 2020 global lockdown while working at Ubisoft, Broche felt restless and conceived an idea for a new game.
Inspired by his childhood love for the Final Fantasy series, Broche set out to create a similar JRPG experience. His journey to realize this dream started with a simple post on Reddit.
A Stroke of Luck
To bring his vision to life, Broche reached out on Reddit and various online forums, seeking collaborators for his Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based gameplay concept. Although the idea wasn't initially met with widespread enthusiasm, Broche's determination kept him pushing forward.
During the lockdown in Australia, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen responded to one of Broche's Reddit posts looking for voice actors. Intrigued by the opportunity, she sent an audition, saying, "I was like: 'I've never done that, it sounds kinda cool', so I sent him an audition." Initially cast as a major character, Svedberg-Yen eventually became the lead writer for Expedition 33.
Broche left Ubisoft to focus entirely on Expedition 33, founding Sandfall Interactive. With funding from publisher Kepler Interactive, the team grew to around 30 members, many of whom were found through unconventional channels. For instance, composer Lorien Testard joined after connecting through Soundcloud.
With Kepler Interactive's backing, Sandfall Interactive was able to attract 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).
Despite the team's growth, Broche and Svedberg-Yen emphasized their versatility, stating they "wore many different hats" during production. Core team members often worked beyond their primary roles, with Svedberg-Yen also handling translations. 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 mirror the enchanting experience of the game itself. Fueled by boredom and a bit of luck, Sandfall Interactive crafted a timeless masterpiece that promises to entertain gamers for years to come. 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!
