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The game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just a top Game of the Year contender, but also a massive commercial success. Studio Sandfall Interactive and publisher their publishing partner revealed that this title exceeded five million copies sold, this is even with it being a launch-day addition on Xbox Game Pass.

The game's performance came as quite an unexpected turn for the team. I was convinced that we would have a solid title achieving some average commercial success,” a key executive commented.

Another leading developer pointed out that Clair Obscur’s critical score, which currently sits at 93, came as “maybe the biggest shock to the team compared to “our initial expectations and what the reality turned out to be. When the score released all staff members was screaming and jumping. It felt absolutely wild.”

The positive reception resulted in work on a complimentary expansion for the game featuring fresh areas, enemies, along with challenging bosses, as announced is coming sometime soon.

Nevertheless, while the game is growing, fans shouldn't anticipate the team will expand. We've built an excellent group under clear creative leadership with a clear direction for this game and also for new ideas. Our goal is to maintain the small-team dynamic that made this possible and do maybe major titles sequentially,” the executive added.

The size of Sandfall sparked plenty of debate following launch. Certain industry figures, including renowned designers, considered the development group as the “ideal” for game development. Although the team is and was indeed a small team versus large developers, a quick look at the title's staff list reveals many individuals worked on it; the French studio hired a team in Korea to work on gameplay animations, as an instance.

“Some hiring will occur a bit more definitely when facing a future production surge down the line,” the executive said. “Yet I picture more of a workshop with a small number of exceptionally gifted creators that can make collective masterpieces.” It was stated that the studio's philosophy as a company “aims to keep the key advantages that made this achievement possible originally.”

Despite being not the right time to disclose concrete plans what’s next — believe me, I attempted to learn more — they are certain what’s at its core. “Strategic combat, forms the foundation of our creations,” the lead programmer explained. “It's still premature to be able to tell what will interest us, yet we must to remain faithful to the DNA of studio through compelling worlds and engaging mechanics that inspires the team.”

They noted that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 began with their director developing his passion title. It is hoped that's something we will be able to do as well for future productions.”