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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not only a strong Game of the Year candidate, it’s also an enormous commercial success. Developer Sandfall Interactive along with publisher Kepler Interactive disclosed that this title topped five million copies sold, this is despite it being a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.

The game's performance came as an unexpected turn to Sandfall. I firmly believed that we would have an enjoyable experience that would meet some average sales results,” a senior team member commented.

Another leading developer remarked the game's critical score, rated 93 by critics, was the greatest surprise” to the team compared to our early predictions and the final result of the field was. Once it was published all staff members celebrated excitedly. The energy was electric.”

The positive reception resulted in work on a free update for the game with a new environment, foes, and boss fights, reportedly would be out within the “upcoming month[s]”.

That said, despite the game's evolution, don’t expect the studio to grow. We've built a talented crew under clear creative leadership possessing strong ideas for our work and also for new ideas. We intend to preserve the human scale that worked for this game and do maybe large projects one by one,” the producer noted.

The studio's scale sparked plenty of debate when the game came out. Certain industry figures, like Hideo Kojima, considered the development group as the model for game development. While Sandfall was and is indeed a small team versus large developers, a quick look at the title's staff list shows that dozens of people were involved; Sandfall hired a team in Korea handling movement and effects, for example.

“We will hire slightly more definitely if we have an increase in development down the line,” the producer said. “But I would see more of a workshop of a few highly skilled individuals capable of producing collective masterpieces.” They emphasized that Sandfall’s vision as developers “focuses on preserving the strengths that led to this accomplishment from the start.”

Although it's premature for the studio to disclose concrete plans what’s next — rest assured, I attempted to learn more — they are certain their essential identity. “The turn-based aspect, is integral to our identity of our creations,” they remarked. “The timing isn't right to announce future passions, but it's important also to remain faithful to our creative core featuring rich storytelling plus innovative play that excites us.”

They mentioned how this game started with their director developing his passion title. It is hoped that's something will be repeated in coming projects.”