"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Turns Boredom into 2025 GotY Hopeful"

Discover the remarkable journey behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the game that soared to become the highest-rated title of 2025 and sold over 1 million copies in just three days. Dive into the story of how boredom at Ubisoft inspired the director to create this instant classic, and learn about the formation of Sandfall Interactive.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Born Out of Boredom

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide, earning the coveted title of the highest-rated game of 2025. This game-of-the-year contender was sparked by the boredom of its director, Guillaume Broche, during the height of the 2020 pandemic while working at Ubisoft. Broche, a lifelong fan of the Final Fantasy series, sought to channel his restlessness into creating something unique and fulfilling.

In an interview with BBC News on May 4, Broche shared the genesis of this project. His initial step was to reach out to potential team members through Reddit, aiming to bring his vision of a Belle Époque-inspired, turn-based JRPG to life.

A Stroke of Luck and Determination

Despite the unconventional nature of his approach, Broche's persistence paid off. One such stroke of luck came when Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, locked down in Australia, stumbled upon Broche's Reddit post seeking voice actors. Intrigued by the opportunity, she auditioned and eventually transitioned from voicing a major character to becoming the lead writer for Expedition 33.

Broche left Ubisoft to focus entirely on his project, founding Sandfall Interactive. With funding from publisher Kepler Interactive, the team expanded to approximately 30 members, many of whom were recruited through creative means, such as composer Lorien Testard, who was discovered via Soundcloud.

The support from Kepler Interactive also allowed them to collaborate with renowned actors like Charlie Cox, Ben Starr, Jennifer English, and Andy Serkis, enhancing the game's appeal.

Throughout the development process, Broche and Svedberg-Yen took on multiple roles, showcasing the team's versatility and dedication. Svedberg-Yen, for instance, handled translations, while Broche praised the team's youthful energy and talent, stating, "We have, I think, an amazing team mostly of junior people but they are so incredibly invested in the project and talented."

The story of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is as enchanting as the game itself. Fueled by boredom and a dash of luck, Sandfall Interactive crafted a game that promises to captivate players for generations. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by clicking on our article below!