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

Discover the incredible journey behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the game that not only clinched the title of the highest-rated game of 2025 but also sold over 1 million copies in just three days. This instant classic emerged from the creative mind of its director, Guillaume Broche, who was driven by boredom and a passion for innovation.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom

Doing Something Different

The inception of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fascinating tale of creativity born from restlessness. During the peak of the 2020 pandemic, while working at Ubisoft, Broche felt an urge to break the monotony. Inspired by his lifelong love for the JRPG series Final Fantasy, he embarked on a quest to create a game that echoed his childhood favorites. This journey began on Reddit, where he sought collaborators for his vision.

A Stroke of Luck

Broche's initial outreach on Reddit and online forums was met with mixed reactions, as the concept of a Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based game wasn't immediately popular. Undeterred, he continued his search, and luck smiled upon him when Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, then under lockdown in Australia, responded to a post seeking voice actors. Her audition landed her a role as a major character, which eventually led her to become the lead writer for Expedition 33.

Broche's commitment to his vision led him to leave Ubisoft and establish Sandfall Interactive. With funding from Kepler Interactive, the team expanded to about 30 members, many of whom were found through unconventional channels, including composer Lorien Testard via Soundcloud. The support from Kepler also allowed them to collaborate with renowned actors like Charlie Cox, Ben Starr, Jennifer English, and Andy Serkis, adding star power to their project.

Despite the growing team, Broche and Svedberg-Yen emphasized the versatility required during production. Svedberg-Yen, for instance, also handled translations, showcasing the team's dedication and multifaceted approach. 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 reflect the game's enchanting appeal. Driven by boredom and aided by serendipity, Sandfall Interactive crafted a 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. For the latest updates on the game, click on our article below!