Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Comments on Sandfall’s Next Game

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as a phenomenal breakout hit in 2025, sweeping up numerous Game of the Year accolades for developer Sandfall Interactive. However, the studio’s upcoming endeavors might not scale the same commercial heights. Game Director Guillaume Broche acknowledges that following up such a massive triumph is a daunting challenge, yet he remains entirely untroubled by the prospect that their next title might divide opinion.

During an extensive appearance on the Konbini YouTube channel’s Video Game Club in July, Broche discussed the studio’s trajectory, remarking simply, “Maybe people won’t like it. That’s life.” It is a remarkably grounded mindset for the mastermind behind one of recent gaming history’s most adored titles. According to Broche, this philosophy mirrors the core ethos that drove Sandfall Interactive throughout the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. “We didn’t make the first game to please anyone,” he admits, “and I think that’s why it worked.” Rather than catering to perceived market demands, the team prioritized building an experience that genuinely thrilled them, viewing the widespread acclaim as a fortunate byproduct.

That organic formula clearly triumphed, and Broche sees no compelling reason to alter course, despite the soaring expectations catalyzed by their debut. He concedes that external pressures to scale up operations or manufacture larger-scale projects are inevitable given Sandfall’s newfound prominence. Ultimately, however, succumbing to those pressures would only lead the studio down a path of producing games that fail to resonate with his personal creative passions.

While Broche kept specific details under wraps regarding Sandfall’s next venture, he hinted that the team is prepared to make bold, unconventional choices. A central question remains whether their upcoming project will serve as a direct continuation of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Reaffirming a previous stance, Broche noted that “Clair Obscur” functions as an overarching franchise moniker, while Expedition 33 represents merely one chapter in a broader narrative universe. This structure opens the door to an anthology framework akin to the Final Fantasy series, where each installment introduces entirely distinct realms and casts. Pursuing a traditional sequel, conversely, would force the team to establish a definitive canon ending—a narrative constraint the developers have deliberately sidestepped thus far. Regardless of the direction they choose, Sandfall’s next creative leap is destined to be a compelling spectacle.

A recent interview session between Twitch streamers and content creators saw Sandfall Interactive clarifying its AI usage

Source: Polygon