lipflip – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut RPG from Sandfall Interactive, dominated the 2025 Game Awards. It was named Game of the Year and won nine out of the 11 categories for which it was nominated. The game beat notable titles such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Categories included Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Performance, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Roleplaying Game. Jennifer English won Best Performance for her role as Maelle.
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The game was praised for its beautiful visuals, engaging soundtrack, and lively combat. While some critics noted a linear story and fewer features compared to other RPGs. Expedition 33 delivered an all-around enjoyable experience. Gamers and reviewers alike applauded the game, and its popularity has only grown since release. Sandfall Interactive, a small studio founded by Guillaume Broche, achieved remarkable success with this project. Broche left Ubisoft to pursue his dream RPG, inspired by Final Fantasy.
To build the team, Broche recruited talent from online communities such as Reddit, Artstation, and Soundcloud. Many hires were new developers eager to gain experience, which added fresh energy to the project. Over several years, the team poured creativity and dedication into every aspect of the game. The result is a title that resonates with both casual players and hardcore RPG fans. In recognition of the community’s support. Sandfall Interactive released a free DLC to thank players for making Expedition 33 a success. This gesture highlights the studio’s appreciation for its fanbase and commitment to enhancing the game further.
A Promising Future for Sandfall Interactive
The success of Expedition 33 establishes Sandfall Interactive as a rising star in the indie game industry. Winning Game of the Year as a first release is a rare achievement, and the studio has now proven its capability to produce high-quality content. The free DLC adds more value for players and maintains excitement around the game.
Looking forward, the studio may leverage its achievements to expand its team and tackle more ambitious projects. The Game Awards wins provide credibility that can attract talent, partnerships, and potential funding. Broche’s vision of creating engaging, story-driven RPGs shows promise for future titles, potentially building a loyal following for years to come.
Expedition 33 demonstrates the power of passion, community collaboration, and thoughtful design in indie game development. Sandfall Interactive’s combination of experienced leadership and fresh talent creates a model for small studios aiming for critical and commercial success. Fans can anticipate more content and innovations from the studio, cementing its role in the evolving RPG landscape.
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The story of Expedition 33 serves as inspiration for indie developers and showcases the impact of perseverance, creativity, and audience engagement. Sandfall Interactive’s journey from a small, passionate team to Game Awards triumph illustrates how dedication and vision can reshape the gaming industry.