The developers behind the award-winning Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 are feeling the weight of expectation for their next project. However, Sandfall Interactive has made it clear that their creative compass will guide them, not external pressure.
Embracing Success and the Pressure That Follows
In a candid interview with Edge magazine, studio executives opened up about the new dynamics following their debut title's phenomenal success. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was not just a critical darling, sweeping awards in 2025; it also became the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, measured by unique users in its first month.
François Meurisse, Chief Operating Officer and Production Director at Sandfall, admitted to feeling the pressure from fans and critics. "I feel there is a bit of pressure," he stated. Yet, he was quick to downplay its influence on the studio's process, adding, "it's not so important to us."
Trusting Instincts Over External Expectations
The studio's philosophy centres on internal creative drive. Meurisse highlighted the team's growth, noting they now have five more years of experience and are excited to explore new ideas. The sentiment is echoed by the game's lead writer, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen.
While Svedberg-Yen confessed to being a "people pleaser" and being aware of fan expectations, she firmly believes in the studio's original vision. "Creatively, we've always let our North Star be our own personal taste," she explained. She pointed to examples in TV and books where trying to please everyone diluted the core heart of a project.
"So [we] feel like we need to trust our instincts and continue to trust the vision behind the studio," Svedberg-Yen concluded, emphasising that what the team finds "cool" will remain their guiding principle.
A Winning Formula They Plan to Keep
This commitment to creative independence is what propelled Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to its surprise-hit status. After winning major accolades at events like the Golden Joystick Awards and The Game Awards, Creative Director Guillaume Broche reflected on the team's humble expectations and the overwhelming positive response.
The challenge now is to navigate increased scrutiny while maintaining the unique quality that made their first game stand out. Sandfall Interactive's message is clear: they will build upon their hard-earned experience, but the soul of their next project will be defined by their own passion, not by the pressure to meet external demands.
