In a significant milestone for independent game development, Montpellier-based Sandfall Interactive has launched its highly anticipated video game, Clair Obscur: Expédition 33, on April 24, 2025. This debut title from the studio, which was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, has already created a buzz in the gaming community, with over a million players expressing interest before its release.
Clair Obscur: Expédition 33 is a unique blend of role-playing and action set in a post-apocalyptic version of Paris, reminiscent of the "Belle Époque." The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and it promises a rich narrative and immersive gameplay experience.
The game begins in a city called Lumière, situated on an island with iconic landmarks that evoke the charm of Paris, including a replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. However, beneath this nostalgic facade lies a grim reality. The inhabitants of Lumière are cursed by a mystical entity known as the Peintresse, who annually decrees a reduction in the age at which residents "fade away" and transform into flowers. This haunting premise sets the stage for players as they navigate a world filled with danger and intrigue.
Players take on the roles of characters such as Gustave, Maelle, Lune, Sciel, and Monoco le Gestral, embarking on a quest to escape the island and confront the Peintresse's heavily armed minions on the mainland. The game features a turn-based combat system, echoing the mechanics of beloved titles like Final Fantasy and Dark Souls, while offering a distinctly French narrative.
Guillaume Broche, the creative director of Sandfall Interactive, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. He conceived the idea for Clair Obscur: Expédition 33 over five years ago while still employed at Ubisoft in Sweden. Alongside his colleagues Tom Guillermin and François Meurisse, Broche founded the studio in Montpellier, a city with a rich history in the gaming industry.
The game has been met with critical acclaim, achieving a score of 92/100 on Metacritic, making it the highest-rated video game of 2025 so far. This score reflects a warm reception from both players and critics, with many praising the game's atmosphere, storyline, and combat mechanics. As one enthusiastic player noted, "The ambiance, the melancholy, the soundtrack, the combat system, and the story are exceptional," highlighting the game's emotional depth.
In addition to its narrative and gameplay, Clair Obscur: Expédition 33 also stands out for its visual design. The graphics are tailored to enhance the post-apocalyptic aesthetic, immersing players in a world where beauty and decay coexist. The monolith displaying the number 34 serves as a poignant symbol of the impending fate of the city's inhabitants, adding layers of meaning to the gameplay experience.
The game is expected to take players at least 30 hours to complete, with double that time required to explore its vast universe and solve additional side puzzles. The developers have intentionally designed the game without an on-screen map, encouraging players to navigate through the world using their instincts and exploration skills.
As the release of Clair Obscur: Expédition 33 marks a significant achievement for Sandfall Interactive, it also coincides with challenging times for the gaming industry. Employees at Ubisoft's Castelnau-le-Lez office, located near Montpellier, began a three-day strike on the same day as the game's launch. Workers are protesting against a reduction in telecommuting days and a perceived decline in salaries and working conditions. This backdrop highlights the contrasting experiences within the gaming sector, with independent studios like Sandfall Interactive thriving amidst larger corporate struggles.
Despite the challenges, the founders of Sandfall Interactive remain optimistic. François Meurisse expressed excitement about the game's release, noting that the pre-launch interest was "hyper encouraging" and a strong indicator of potential commercial success. He remarked, "We are at a crucial moment, and we are eager to see how the game performs in the market."
With its unique premise, engaging gameplay, and emotional storytelling, Clair Obscur: Expédition 33 is poised to make a lasting impact in the gaming landscape. As players dive into this richly crafted world, they not only embark on an adventure but also support the burgeoning independent game development scene in France. As one player put it, "This game should send shockwaves through the industry, and I can’t wait to see what Sandfall Interactive does next!"
