Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be backed by a hefty AAA budget, but Sandfall Interactive believes this could actually benefit the game’s development. In a recent conversation with Automaton, creative director Guillaume Broche articulated why he feels “unlimited” resources wouldn’t serve their vision. “We wouldn’t have wanted to drastically introduce unnecessary content or alter the entire scope of our project,” he stated. Broche emphasized that the limited scope allowed by Sandfall contributed positively to the game’s enjoyment, ensuring players didn’t experience excessive “padding” that could detract from their time spent playing.
“One reason fans appreciated our game was our effort to respect their time by avoiding excessive artificial game length,” Broche explained. “Having restricted finances and resources, in some ways, aids in honing the title’s design to focus on the fundamental elements that enhance its quality. It’s possible that an unlimited scope and budget would have left us with a less captivating experience for players.”
The Ideal Size for Success
Broche believes that Sandfall is just the right size for a “full-priced turn-based RPG.” He indicated that their success isn’t likely to instigate a rise to AAA aspirations, stating, “I’d prefer to work within a smaller team.”
Learning from the AAA Experience
According to RuneScape’s CEO, it’s possible to achieve similar outcomes with just “a tenth” of a AAA “$400 million budget” if done effectively. “We’ve observed that with Clair Obscur and several other titles,” he remarked.
A Shift Toward AA-Class Games
The team sees a future filled with “AA-class games,” especially as production costs become increasingly exorbitant. They believe that only major studios, like Rockstar—the creators of GTA 6—can meet that demand.
In conclusion, Broche admits, “It’s difficult to predict!” As a gaming enthusiast, I find myself agreeing with him, and I suspect I’m not alone in this sentiment. Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation, recently described Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as achieving a “perfect balance” between AAA aspirations, AA budget, and an “independent vision.” Sandfall’s COO and producer, François Meurisse, also weighed in on the topic of AAA financing, pointing out that substantial financial backing doesn’t guarantee success.
I’m reminded of what Jon Bellamy, the new CEO of Jagex—the company behind RuneScape—recently mentioned. He asserted that using just a fraction of a AAA budget could yield “not significantly different results,” specifically citing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as an example. It’s safe to say that Sandfall has fully utilized its comparatively smaller budget and scope, as their latest major update indicates that development is ongoing.
Essential Gameplay Tips
If you’re exploring one of this year’s standout titles, check out our top tips for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, ensuring you get the most out of your adventure.