In 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainties of the pandemic, Guillaume Broche found himself in a situation many could relate to – seeking a change from his humdrum corporate job at Ubisoft. This search for inspiration sparked the creation of a role-playing game, referencing his fondness for classic games like Final Fantasy. This endeavor, known as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has evolved into a cultural phenomenon five years on, achieving impressive sales figures, a chart-topping soundtrack, and even recognition from the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
The game transports players to the enchanting world of Lumiere, dominated by a colossal monolith with a glowing numeral that signifies the age of its inhabitants. Each year, a mysterious entity called The Paintress emerges, reducing the number and making the inhabitants of that age disappear, leading to an adventurous quest to confront this enigmatic being. The unique blend of aesthetics, reminiscent of 19th-Century France, alongside its old-school turn-based combat style, has distinguished this game in a crowded market that typically shuns such classics.
Five years ago, however, Guillaume faced the prevailing belief that today’s players wouldn't be interested in such a style. Undeterred, he utilized platforms like Reddit to recruit collaborators for his passion project. Among those drawn to his proposal was Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, who was under lockdown in Australia at the time. Initially auditioning as a voice actor, she transitioned into the role of lead writer. Guillaume later quit his corporate job and founded Sandfall Interactive, allowing him to devote himself entirely to Clair Obscur, supported by financing from publisher Kepler Interactive.
The team, which expanded to about 30 dedicated individuals, found many of its members in similarly unconventional ways. For instance, composer Lorien Testard, who had never composed music for video games before, was discovered through posts on Soundcloud. Hailing what he dubs the "Guillaume effect," Jennifer notes Guillaume's ability to connect with exceptional talent. Meanwhile, Guillaume humbly attributes his success to a mix of serendipity and people's desire to explore creative outlets during lockdowns.
The production quality of Expedition 33 has drawn acclaim for matching that of larger-scale games developed by far larger teams. With advancements in gaming technology and the financial support of Kepler, the team enlisted celebrated actors such as Charlie Cox from Daredevil, Andy Serkis of Lord of the Rings fame, and renowned voice actors like Jennifer English and Ben Starr.
In an industry known for its rigid roles, Sandfall Interactive's team frequently “wore many different hats," contributing to various aspects of the project. Jennifer recalls her diverse responsibilities ranging from writing to localization, underscoring the team's collective commitment and skill, despite many being junior members. "Somehow it worked," Guillaume reflects, still marveling at the success of their journey.
In a world dominated by multimedia updates, Clair Obscur has set itself apart not just as a game but as a testament to the power of creativity in adversity.
Tune into Newsbeat for live updates and reports weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45, or listen to previous episodes online.
The game transports players to the enchanting world of Lumiere, dominated by a colossal monolith with a glowing numeral that signifies the age of its inhabitants. Each year, a mysterious entity called The Paintress emerges, reducing the number and making the inhabitants of that age disappear, leading to an adventurous quest to confront this enigmatic being. The unique blend of aesthetics, reminiscent of 19th-Century France, alongside its old-school turn-based combat style, has distinguished this game in a crowded market that typically shuns such classics.
Five years ago, however, Guillaume faced the prevailing belief that today’s players wouldn't be interested in such a style. Undeterred, he utilized platforms like Reddit to recruit collaborators for his passion project. Among those drawn to his proposal was Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, who was under lockdown in Australia at the time. Initially auditioning as a voice actor, she transitioned into the role of lead writer. Guillaume later quit his corporate job and founded Sandfall Interactive, allowing him to devote himself entirely to Clair Obscur, supported by financing from publisher Kepler Interactive.
The team, which expanded to about 30 dedicated individuals, found many of its members in similarly unconventional ways. For instance, composer Lorien Testard, who had never composed music for video games before, was discovered through posts on Soundcloud. Hailing what he dubs the "Guillaume effect," Jennifer notes Guillaume's ability to connect with exceptional talent. Meanwhile, Guillaume humbly attributes his success to a mix of serendipity and people's desire to explore creative outlets during lockdowns.
The production quality of Expedition 33 has drawn acclaim for matching that of larger-scale games developed by far larger teams. With advancements in gaming technology and the financial support of Kepler, the team enlisted celebrated actors such as Charlie Cox from Daredevil, Andy Serkis of Lord of the Rings fame, and renowned voice actors like Jennifer English and Ben Starr.
In an industry known for its rigid roles, Sandfall Interactive's team frequently “wore many different hats," contributing to various aspects of the project. Jennifer recalls her diverse responsibilities ranging from writing to localization, underscoring the team's collective commitment and skill, despite many being junior members. "Somehow it worked," Guillaume reflects, still marveling at the success of their journey.
In a world dominated by multimedia updates, Clair Obscur has set itself apart not just as a game but as a testament to the power of creativity in adversity.
Tune into Newsbeat for live updates and reports weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45, or listen to previous episodes online.
