Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda and known for his work on the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, has picked his game of the year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In a chat with Mat Jones from Eurogamer, he called it “really unique and amazing.” He also mentioned other big titles like Death Stranding 2 and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, but his enthusiasm for Expedition 33 stood out.
“I think Expedition 33 is a truly unique piece of art,” he added, emphasizing his choice. This declaration sparks interest, especially since it follows some competition in the gaming landscape. Just two days before Expedition 33, Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. Both titles are available on Xbox Game Pass, but a close release didn’t dampen Expedition 33’s success. Matt Handrahan, Kepler’s senior portfolio director, remarked that proximity to Oblivion didn’t seem to affect sales at all.
Expedition 33 has made waves in the gaming community, selling over 5 million copies worldwide. It’s set to be a highlight at next week’s The Game Awards, boasting an impressive 12 nominations. This success isn’t just in Howard’s words; it’s been a big hit for Xbox Game Pass too, becoming the platform’s largest third-party release of the year.
Looking ahead, Howard is also focused on The Elder Scrolls 6, which he describes as his “everyday thing,” though he acknowledges it’s still a long way off. In his Eurogamer interview, he discussed the use of AI in gaming, aiming to “protect artistry” while still embracing new technology. As the gaming landscape evolves, Howard’s insights could guide future developments in game design.
With gamers increasingly valuing unique art and storytelling, Expedition 33’s blend of creativity may well shape the future of RPGs. It’s a reminder of how diverse and dynamic the gaming world can be.
