Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Advocates for Brevity as a Key Virtue in Video Gaming

Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 Surpasses Sales Milestone

Today marks a significant achievement for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, as it has officially crossed the 3.3 million units sold mark, just 33 days post-launch. Developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive, this turn-based JRPG has emerged as one of the most remarkable surprise hits of 2025. Both critics and players have showered it with praise, as reflected in our glowing score of 9.5.

Insights from Industry Leaders

In a feature published by GamesIndustry.biz, Matthew Handrahan, the portfolio director at Kepler, alongside François Meurisse, COO and producer at Sandfall Interactive, shared their thoughts on game length and player experience.

The Value of Conciseness in Gaming

Matthew Handrahan emphasized the importance of valuing players’ time: “One of the things that’s great about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is it really respects the player’s time. It gives players a fulfilling experience without unnecessary extensions, distinguishing itself by avoiding gameplay bloat.”

Handrahan further commented on a growing trend in film and gaming, noting the general fatigue with excessively long formats.“Audiences are increasingly wishing for shorter films, and I believe the same sentiment is applicable to games, ” he remarked.

Design Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity

François Meurisse explained the initial design intent: “We aimed to create a short yet intense gaming experience. While early estimates for the main quest were around 20 hours, the actual playtime reflected between 30 and 40 hours, depending on gameplay style. For me, it’s about the excitement and enjoyment that a game offers, not just its duration.”

Meurisse also pointed out a critical aspect of gaming perception: “The value players derive from a game is not always tied to its length. For instance, a personal favorite of mine, Inside, lasts only about two hours but is a profound, polished experience that is impactful for many.”

Join the Discussion

We invite you to weigh in on this debate: should games be shorter? Participate in the poll below and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!

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