Sandfall Interactive Says Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Never About Winning Game of the Year

Sandfall Interactive Prioritizes Player Connection Over Awards for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has made it clear that their creative vision was never about chasing awards like Game of the Year (GOTY). Instead, the team is celebrating what they consider the truest form of success — the heartfelt reactions and emotional connections from players around the world.

In an interview with PCGamesN, Guillaume Broche, the game’s director, expressed deep gratitude for the global response Expedition 33 has received. He emphasized that while awards are an honor, they were never the driving motivation behind the project.

> “Winning Game of the Year isn’t something we really aim for; it should be the result of making a great game, not the goal itself,” Broche explained. “Our philosophy has always been to create something meaningful. We’ve already achieved more than we ever expected — we’ve received so many moving messages from players saying that the game touched their hearts, inspired them, or helped them through difficult times. That emotional connection means everything to us.”

A Game Designed to Evoke Emotion

Broche further elaborated that Sandfall Interactive’s true mission has always been about emotional storytelling rather than accolades. For him, crafting a game that resonates deeply with players on a personal level is the ultimate reward.

> “For me, developing games isn’t about collecting trophies,” Broche continued. “It’s about creating something that truly moves people. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 already feels like a victory because it achieved exactly that. An award would be a wonderful bonus, but we’re already fulfilled by the love and appreciation from our community.”

Fierce Competition for Game of the Year 2025

Despite their humble approach, Expedition 33 is considered one of the strongest contenders in this year’s competitive Game of the Year 2025 lineup. Other major titles vying for the award include Death Stranding 2, Hades 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, Silent Hill f, and Donkey Kong Bananza — all of which have generated massive anticipation and acclaim in the gaming world.

However, Broche remains modest about the nomination, even joking about his personal favorite from this year’s releases — the popular roguelike Megabonk, which has dominated Steam’s charts and become a surprise sensation among gamers.

> “I don’t know if it’s a serious pick, but I’ve been spending way too much time playing Megabonk lately,” he laughed. “It’s honestly taken over my life — send help!”

The Legacy of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Since its launch, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has earned praise for its innovative gameplay, painterly art direction, and emotionally rich narrative. Players have lauded its blend of dreamlike visuals, deep character arcs, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The title has been widely recognized for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, solidifying Sandfall Interactive’s reputation as one of the most creative indie studios in the modern gaming landscape.

Whether or not it takes home the Game of the Year title, Sandfall’s creation has already made a lasting mark — not through trophies or accolades, but through the millions of players who found something profoundly human in its story.