Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has made waves in the gaming world. It’s not just another game; it’s now the biggest new third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.
Microsoft shared this exciting milestone after analyzing data on Game Pass. They looked at how many unique players tried each game in its first 30 days. This is significant for Clair Obscur because it launched just two days after another big title, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
The success doesn’t stop there. In just five months, Clair Obscur sold over 5 million copies. That’s a remarkable feat, especially for a debut game from French studio Sandfall Interactive.
Guillaume Broche, the creative director at Sandfall, emphasized the role of Xbox Game Pass in reaching players. He noted that Game Pass allowed many to jump in and try the game without any pressure. “A lot of curious players could start the game and explore. They found a lot to enjoy,” he said.
Clair Obscur faced tough competition from other notable titles this year, like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Atomfall, but its unique charm and gameplay helped it stand out.
This achievement reflects a growing trend in gaming. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass have changed how players engage with games. More people are willing to try genres they might have ignored in the past.
In a recent survey, over 60% of gamers indicated they try new games through subscription services. This shift suggests that services like Game Pass will continue to reshape the gaming landscape.
With its record number of nominations at The Game Awards, Clair Obscur’s story is just beginning. It’s proving that innovative gameplay can connect with a wide audience, and there’s no telling how high it might go.
For more on Xbox Game Pass, check out the Xbox News.
