This is how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 used to look in its first year of development — a surprising evolution
The French RPG has transformed significantly since its early development, proving its ambition and artistic vision.
2025 has been an exciting year for gaming, with major releases like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds. However, one unexpected contender for Game of the Year has emerged: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG developed by a small but passionate team in France.
Led by Guillaume Broche, founder and CEO of Sandfall Interactive, the game started as a humble prototype called We Lost, built using basic Unreal Engine assets to establish its core mechanics, and instead of Belle Époque, it was set in a steampunk Victorian London.
How Clair Obscur evolved over time
Early footage of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 showcased:
- A turn-based combat system as the foundation of gameplay.
- Over-the-shoulder camera angles for immersive exploration.
- Real-time inputs during actions, blending strategy with reflex-based mechanics.
Despite its primitive beginnings, the prototype was sophisticated enough to guide the team toward their final vision.
Securing funding and avoiding crunch
During development, Sandfall Interactive caught the attention of Kepler Interactive, the publisher behind Sifu, one of the most acclaimed indie titles in recent years.
To ensure a polished final product, the team delayed the game multiple times, prioritizing healthy work conditions over rushed deadlines. The result? A game that launched when the developers felt it was truly ready.
Where to play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The game is now available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
With its stunning visuals, beautiful music, deep storytelling, and unique mechanics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has quickly become one of the highest-rated games of 2025.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!