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After making a major splash in the gaming industry with its first title, Sandfall Interactive is now setting its sights on the future. With Clair Obscur Expedition 33 enjoying both critical and commercial success, the universe it created is poised for further expansion. Guillaume Broche, the director of the game and the founder of the studio, has already teased a new creation set within this world and is beginning to discuss the future design with his team. His statements have been reassuring, hinting at exciting things to come while maintaining a sense of grounded optimism.
Clair Obscur as a Stepping Stone for the Studio
Guillaume Broche, along with several other members of Sandfall Interactive, was invited for an end-of-year interview with Edge magazine. During the conversation, he reflected on the “completely unexpected” success of Clair Obscur Expedition 33. For Broche, the secret to the game’s success was rooted in two key principles: the ability to “adapt the game to the team you have, and not the other way around” and the decision to make “a game that you want to play“. While this approach might seem unconventional, Broche believes it was crucial.
He acknowledges the “contradictory” nature of this method, as it puts less emphasis on player preferences in favor of ensuring the development team’s vision remains central. However, Broche is confident that this is the best way to ensure the sincerity and authenticity of the project. This commitment to creative vision is what is now guiding Broche and Sandfall Interactive as they begin to consider their next steps.
There is no doubt that a sequel is in the works. Back in August, Broche made it clear that Clair Obscur is now a “franchise,” with Expedition 33 being just the first installment. This means we can expect more adventures in that universe, with new stories and experiences to explore.So, what will the next Clair Obscur game look like? Right now, the future of the franchise is still shrouded in mystery, but fans are already speculating.
Keeping It Grounded: The Studio’s Pragmatic Vision for What’s Next
Many have theorized that the next game might delve deeper into the mysterious “Writers,” a faction that played a central role in Expedition 33. While there is no official word on this yet, the idea has captured the imagination of the fanbase, and it seems to be a plausible direction for the franchise to explore. Despite the commercial success of Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive has no intention of drastically increasing the scope of the studio or rushing the next installment. Broche has emphasized that, although the success of Expedition 33 represents a significant influx of capital, the studio won’t be expanding its size.
“We could scale up now we have a lot more money, but I would say it’s not tempting for us,” Broche explains. The focus remains on maintaining the small, tight-knit team that has already delivered a successful title. For Broche and the team, growth is not about scaling up the studio but about refining and perfecting the creative process they’ve already established. “We love making games more than we love managing, so we want to keep doing that. These past five years were some of the best of my life, and I want to be happy like that again”, he explained.
Broche’s leadership and commitment to his vision for the studio ensure that whatever comes next will be true to the essence of what made Clair Obscur Expedition 33 a success. Fans of the franchise can look forward to more immersive experiences in that world, though they may have to wait a little longer for the next chapter. One thing is certain, though: the journey is far from over, and the best may still be yet to come.
Source: Edge via Knowledge
