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

Discover the fascinating journey behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the game that emerged as the highest-rated title of 2025 and sold over 1 million copies in just three days. Learn how boredom and a passion for innovation drove the game's director and his team at Sandfall Interactive to create this instant classic.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Made Out of Boredom

Doing Something Different

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has cemented its status as an instant classic, achieving the coveted title of the highest-rated game of 2025 and breaking sales records with over 1 million copies sold in just three days. This remarkable achievement was born from a surprising source: the director's boredom and a desire to innovate.

In an interview with BBC News on May 4, Guillaume Broche, the director at Sandfall Interactive, shared the game's origin story. Amid the 2020 pandemic, while working at Ubisoft, Broche found himself restless and yearning for something different. Inspired by his lifelong love for the Final Fantasy series, he set out to create a game that would fulfill his childhood dreams. His journey began on Reddit, where he sought like-minded individuals to join his vision.

A Stroke of Luck

Broche's initial outreach on Reddit and online forums aimed to form a team for his Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based game. Though the concept wasn't immediately popular, Broche's passion was undeterred. His persistence paid off when Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, locked down in Australia, responded to a call for voice actors. "I was like: 'I've never done that, it sounds kinda cool', so I sent him an audition," Svedberg-Yen recounted. She initially voiced a major character and later took on the role of the game's lead writer.

Leaving Ubisoft behind, Broche dedicated himself fully to Expedition 33, founding Sandfall Interactive. With funding from publisher Kepler Interactive, the team expanded to about 30 members, many of whom were discovered through unconventional means, such as composer Lorien Testard, who connected via Soundcloud.

Thanks to Kepler Interactive's support, Sandfall Interactive was able to attract renowned actors like 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, both Broche and Svedberg-Yen took on multiple roles. Svedberg-Yen, for instance, also handled translations into various languages. "We have, I think, an amazing team mostly of junior people but they are so incredibly invested in the project and talented," Broche praised.

The magical origins of Expedition 33 reflect the enchanting experience the game offers. Driven by boredom and guided by luck, Sandfall Interactive crafted a game that promises 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!