Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made a remarkable debut in the gaming world, launching on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S with immediate availability on Xbox Game Pass. Despite the simultaneous release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, which posed stiff competition, Clair Obscur made a significant impact, particularly as the first title from Sandfall Interactive.
An Unprecedented Game Pass Milestone
Rather than being overshadowed, Oblivion Remastered’s surprise release only seemed to highlight Clair Obscur’s success. Reports suggest it achieved the status of the biggest new third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass for 2025, drawing in a huge number of players curious about the buzz surrounding it. Clair Obscur’s debut on Xbox Game Pass marked the highest engagement for a third-party game within its first 30 days.
The game’s popularity was further fueled by its feature in Xbox’s Developer_Direct video in January, which demonstrated Xbox’s long-standing support. This hype translated into impressive player engagement numbers, with users flocking to explore the wonders of Lumière.
Sandfall Interactive’s Creative Journey
Creative Director Guillaume Broche expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “This year has been so far beyond what any of us could have imagined.” He emphasized how partnering with Xbox and the Game Pass launch was crucial for their reach, allowing a wider audience to experience their innovative turn-based RPG. Game Pass enabled players who might favor real-time action to discover Clair Obscur’s unique charm and depth.
Award-Winning Success and Future Prospects
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received critical acclaim, earning a stellar 9.5/10 review score and being recognized as a strong Game of the Year contender. The game triumphed at the Golden Joysticks, collecting seven awards, including the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year. With 12 nominations at The Game Awards, it stands poised to continue its award-winning streak, further cementing its place in gaming history.