Director of Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 I always believed that turn-based RPGs would be “cool”, but I had no idea that it would become so “big”.
I’m talking to Radio Times game following this year’s Golden Joysticks Awards, inventive director Guillaume Broche spoke candidly about the studio’s work, admitting that the game’s reception from fans and critics alike was so unexpected, saying that “nobody really understands what’s going on.”
“I don’t think people really realize it, it’s become big now, but before launch it wasn’t supposed to be that big,” Broche said. “I think we all felt the same. It’s going to be cool. It’s not going to be a big deal, it’s going to be cool. And what’s happening today is like we’re saying, no one really understands what’s going on.”
“It’s a strange feeling when you put your whole heart into the world and it accepts it and gives you so much love back. We get so much love from the players… It’s so touching and amazing that it’s very hard to explain.”
Ben Starr, who voices Verso in the RPG, shares the same sentiment, adding, “This game was never meant to be as big as it is. It has turned into this kind of cultural moment, phenomenon, but that’s only because the game is so honest, I think. And a lot of people bought into it.”
“I don’t think anyone expected it because it’s a small game. No one expected those numbers and we were all just messaging each other thinking it’s… well, it’s just stupid. It’s just stupid. Everyone just stop. It’s a stupid joke. But yeah, it was very fun.”
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was released on April 24 on PC and consoles, but also directly as part of the Xbox Game Pass subscription as a day one title. IN 9/10 IGN review for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33we described it as a “modern RPG classic” and added: “In many ways, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reminds me of many classic and contemporary RPGs that I love, but creator Sandfall really understood what makes these games special and created its own borrowed elements.”
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sold 5 million copies in five monthsmaking it one of the biggest hits of the year. She also received an A a record number of 12 nominations at this year’s The Game Awards gala and receives nominations in the following categories: best director, best narrative, best set design, best soundtrack and music, best sound, best independent game, best independent debut and best RPG game, as well as the Game of the Year gong coveted during the ceremony. The three performers are also nominated for best performance.
If this has convinced you to give it a try, don’t hesitate check out our tips for the most essential things to know before heading to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The studio recently published update 1.4.0adding key features such as the Replay Battle option, as well as a number of quality of life changes, visual improvements and bug fixes.
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Vikki Blake is an IGN reporter, critic, columnist and consultant with over 15 years of experience working with some of the world’s largest gaming sites and publications. She is also a Guardian, a Spartan, a Silent Hillian, a Legend, and an eternally High Chaos. Find her on Blue Sky.
