Since its release, Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 has established itself as one of the most acclaimed RPGs of the year. It has not only won over the specialized press: it won the Game of the Year prize at the Game Awards, a distinction which inevitably makes one wonder what Sandfall Interactive then prepare.
In a recent interview with the magazine Edge (via Knowledge), William Brochedirector of the studio, spoke at length about the team’s creative vision and the delicate balance between ambition and serenity in video game development.
A team faithful to its creative philosophy
Faced with the pressure represented by such resounding successes, many studios would have opted for a significant expansion of their workforce or for a move to much more ambitious productions. Broche explains, however, that this is not Sandfall’s intention.
For him, the key to success lies in an approach centered on creation rather than management. As he himself says: “I think that limits are essential to creativity. It’s the best way to give the best of yourself.”
This philosophy reflects a clear desire: Sandfall wishes to remain on a human scale, with a team where each member remains deeply invested in the heart of development.
What future for *Clair Obscur* and Sandfall?
The big question currently animating the community is of course: is Sandfall preparing a sequel or a spin-off directly linked to Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 ? On this point, Broche does not close any doors. He said in early 2025 that the brand Chiaroscuro was designed from the start as a franchiseand that Expedition 33 was only the first chapter. “Clair Obscur is the name of the franchise. Expedition 33 is one of the stories we want to tell.” He adds that it is still too early to detail the next concept, but insists that this is not the end of this franchise.
Potentially faster production
A significant advantage of Sandfall’s strategy is that the studio’s controlled size could speed things up. Unlike video game giants who must manage gigantic teams and complex schedules, Sandfall can maintain creative agility.
Even if the next title is not planned for immediately, this formula suggests that a project of similar size to Expedition 33 could see the light of day earlier than a classic AAA blockbusterwhich delights those who are impatiently awaiting the sequel.
In any case, one thing is certain: Sandfall has no intention of sacrificing its creative vision to follow market trends or conform to purely commercial expectations.