Behind the Scenes of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – The Making of the ‘Game of the Year’

In 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, many faced boredom. Guillaume Broche was one of them. While working at Ubisoft, he sought a creative outlet. Inspired by the classic game series Final Fantasy, he envisioned a role-playing game. This dream evolved into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which, five years later, exploded in popularity.

In just three days, it sold a million copies. Its soundtrack even topped Spotify’s viral charts. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the game, adding to its acclaim. But what’s truly fascinating is how it came to life, woven from chance encounters, luck, and a fresh approach to game design.

Set in the imaginary world of Lumiere, the game features a towering monolith. Each year, a mysterious being known as the Paintress lowers the monolith’s number, causing those of that age to vanish. This backdrop provides a gripping narrative, complemented by an art style inspired by 19th-century France and classic turn-based gameplay.

When Guillaume first gathered a team, many doubted players’ interest in such a retro style. Undeterred, he reached out on Reddit and online forums, searching for passionate collaborators.

One response came from Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, who was in lockdown in Australia. She saw Guillaume’s call for voice actors and decided to audition. Initially, she was cast as a character, but soon became the lead writer. The team grew to about 30 people after securing funding from Kepler Interactive. Many collaborators, like her, were found through unconventional means.

Guillaume’s knack for connecting with talent also touched composer Lorien Testard, discovered on SoundCloud. Jennifer called it the "Guillaume effect," highlighting his ability to find creative individuals during a time when many sought new outlets.

With support from Kepler, Clair Obscur enlisted high-profile actors such as Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis, alongside a dedicated core team. Despite their relatively small size, they achieved impressive production values, rivaling larger studios. Modern game design tools helped speed up the process, allowing them to work efficiently.

Guillaume noted that the core team wore many hats, crossing traditional roles. Jennifer took charge of translating the game, while others delved into multiple tasks. The team’s shared investment in the project was palpable, leading to unexpected success.

Much of the game’s appeal lies in its rich world and engaging story. Recent gaming trends reveal that players increasingly appreciate innovative narratives and art styles. According to a recent survey, over 70% of gamers seek unique experiences rather than cookie-cutter gameplay.

In conclusion, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out not just for its gameplay but for its story—a testament to passion, collaboration, and creativity during uncertain times.

For further insights into the gaming industry, check out this report from NPD Group, which explores emerging trends and consumer behaviors.

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