It’s been a monumental year for Sandfall Interactive. Their debut RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has not only been a critical darling but a massive commercial success, recently crossing the 5 million copies sold milestone. In response to the overwhelming fan support, the developers have announced they are working on a major free update as a “thank you” to the community. But in a series of recent interviews, the team has made it clear that sales numbers and awards aren’t what drive them-it’s the art.
Creative director Guillaume Broche has been vocal about his gratitude for the players who have embraced the game’s unique, somber world. He has also shared insights into the studio’s philosophy, one that values emotional connection and artistic vision above all else. It’s a refreshing perspective in an industry often dominated by sales charts and hype cycles.
A Thank You to the Fans: What’s in the Free Update?
To celebrate selling 5 million copies, Sandfall is hard at work on a substantial free update for all players. While there’s no release date yet, the team has confirmed it will be packed with new content designed to enrich the experience for both new and returning players.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- A New Playable Environment: A brand-new location will be added to the game, complete with new enemies and discoveries for late-game players.
- Challenging New Bosses: The update will introduce new, difficult boss battles to test the skills of even the most seasoned expedition members.
- New Costumes: More customization options are on the way, with new outfits for each party member.
- More Languages: The update will add localization for seven new languages, including Ukrainian, Turkish, and Latin American Spanish, bringing the total to 19.
- More Surprises: The team has also hinted at “even more surprises” that they are keeping under wraps for now.
The ‘Art House’ Philosophy of Sandfall Interactive
While the commercial success is certainly welcome, creative director Guillaume Broche has emphasized that the team’s primary goal was always to create “real emotional resonance” with players. He describes the studio’s approach as being like an “art house,” focusing on making games with a strong artistic vision.
“We received so many beautiful messages from players around the world saying that the game changed their lives,” Broche said in an interview. He insists that this connection is the real victory, and that a Game of the Year award would just be a “nice little bonus.” This philosophy also explains some of the game’s specific design choices, such as its tight, linear exploration. The team experimented with puzzles but found they broke the game’s rhythm, choosing instead to focus on a shorter, more impactful experience driven by story and combat.
The Future is Bright (and Dark)
Sandfall isn’t resting on its laurels. Even as they work on the update for Expedition 33, Broche confirmed that they are already starting to think about and work on their next game. The plan is to stick to their art house philosophy and create another project with a strong, unique vision. He also stated that Expedition 33 is just “one of the stories” they could tell in the Clair Obscur universe, leaving the door open for future installments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
- It is a critically acclaimed turn-based RPG released in April 2025, known for its beautiful art style, unique combat, and emotional story.
- How many copies has the game sold?
- As of October 2025, the game has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
- Is the upcoming update free?
- Yes, the major update is being developed as a free “thank you” to all players.
- When will the free update be released?
- A release date has not been announced yet, but the team has asked for patience while they work on making it “worth the wait.”
- What is Sandfall Interactive’s development philosophy?
- The studio aims to create “art house” style games with a strong artistic vision and a focus on creating an emotional connection with the player, rather than chasing awards or sales figures.
- Will there be a sequel to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
- While the studio is working on their next project, the director has hinted that there are more stories to tell within the Clair Obscur universe.
Conclusion
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a victory for creative, vision-driven game development. Sandfall Interactive has shown that a game built on artistic integrity and emotional depth can resonate with millions of players. The upcoming free update is a testament to their gratitude and commitment to the community they’ve built. In a year filled with fantastic games, Expedition 33 has carved out a special place in the hearts of many, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the ones painted in shades of light and dark.