Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 WON (around $0.02) multiple Game of the Year awards in 2025 and surpassed Elden Ring's record, yet its creative director says the studio will not try to replicate that commercial success. Guillaume Broche, the creative director at Sandfall Interactive, told GamesRadar+ that the team does not aim to please audiences with their next project. This shift matters to players because it signals that the sequel will likely take creative risks that could alienate some fans.
Sandfall Interactive prioritizes internal vision over market trends
Broche explained that the studio made the first game without trying to satisfy anyone, which he believes is why it succeeded. He stated that Sandfall will make drastic decisions for the next game and accepts that people might not like the result. The studio plans to focus on making games they love rather than chasing popularity, even if the next title does not match the debut's acclaim.
The developer's approach prioritizes internal creative satisfaction over external validation, a stance Broche described as simply how the team sees the future. He acknowledged that whether people follow the studio or not is their decision, emphasizing that the team will not compromise their vision for broader appeal. This philosophy suggests a potential shift in tone or gameplay mechanics that may not align with the style that made the first game a hit.
We've been tracking Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 closely — see our earlier coverage on Clair Obscur. The studio's commitment to artistic independence means players should expect a product driven by the developers' passions rather than market trends. This approach could result in a more niche but personally authentic experience for those who choose to follow the studio forward.
Source: Insider Gaming
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