Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall wants to focus on its own vision for its next game

Following the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, all eyes are on the next steps for the Sandfall Interactive studio. Leading developers are now emphasizing that future projects should not be determined by fan expectations, but by their own creative convictions.

Success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was released last year and was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. At the end of 2025, the game received the Game of the Year award at the Game Awards. This success also increased public attention for the studio and its future projects.

The studio’s attitude toward expectations

Despite the increased pressure, Sandfall Interactive does not see this as having a significant impact on its own way of working. François Meurisse, Chief Operating Officer and Production Director of the studio, explained in an interview that these new expectations are “not that important” for the team. However, they already have several ideas that are considered exciting internally.

Meurisse also pointed out that the studio is working under different conditions today than it was when Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 began. The team now has around five years of additional experience under its belt.

Creative focus of the team

Lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen also commented on the topic. She acknowledged that the expectations of the growing fan base were present. At the same time, she emphasized that the studio’s creative direction would continue to follow its own taste and be guided by what the team itself considered successful.

She also pointed out that other media formats had lost substance by trying to meet as many expectations as possible. For Sandfall, it was therefore crucial to remain true to its own vision.

Public recognition in France

The game’s success was also noticed outside the industry. Towards the end of last year, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly praised the game’s Game of the Year award. He described the success as a source of pride for both the city of Montpellier and France.

Expansion already released

During the Game Awards, it was also announced that the previously announced expansion for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is now available to all players. The new content adds additional challenges to the game, including new boss fights that have been described as challenging by some players.

No specific information about Sandfall Interactive’s next project has been released yet. However, the studio has made it clear that future games will be based on internal ideas and creative instincts, regardless of external pressure or expectations.

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