Sandfall Interactive’s latest offering, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has swiftly captured the hearts of Japanese RPG enthusiasts. Drawing inspiration from genre titans such as Final Fantasy 10 and Lost Odyssey, this debut title has arguably recaptured the essence of classic RPGs more effectively than recent releases from the renowned publisher Square Enix.
The game’s impressive critical acclaim has translated into remarkable sales figures, with one million copies sold within just three days. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the game is also available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on both PC and Xbox platforms. Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics, remarked on the transparency of the sales announcement, emphasizing that it focused on copies sold rather than player counts.
Sales Performance Compared to Genre Peers
The broader narrative surrounding Expedition 33 lies in its sales performance relative to other titles in the Japanese RPG genre. According to data from Alinea Analytics, the game has surpassed 785,000 copies sold on Steam within its first week, a figure that more than doubles the sales of any recent comparable titles, including last year’s acclaimed Atlus release, Metaphor Re:Fantazio.
While Metaphor serves as a direct comparison due to its simultaneous PC launch, it is essential to note that Atlus RPGs traditionally enjoy a robust console audience. In contrast, titles like Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth and Persona 5 Royal had already made their mark on consoles before transitioning to PC.
Elliott pointed out that while some of the competing titles are ports, the data still underscores the significant appeal of Expedition 33 among gamers. Notably, Persona 3: Reload is a remake of earlier titles, while Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues a long-standing series that has found success on PC. However, only Persona 3 Reload shared a simultaneous launch on Game Pass, making Expedition 33‘s week one sales all the more impressive.
In addition to its Steam success, Expedition 33 has also sold over 350,000 copies on PlayStation. The game boasts more than 1.5 million wishlists on Steam, indicating a promising trajectory for sustained sales.
Several factors contribute to the success of Expedition 33, with quality being paramount. Elliott praised the game for its stunning visuals and a rewarding turn-based combat system that seamlessly blends elements from both Superstar Saga and Sekiro. The narrative is equally compelling, featuring relatable protagonists and memorable antagonists, all brought to life by an impressive voiceover cast.
The game’s pricing strategy has also played a crucial role in its success. With many players eager to purchase AAA titles when they dip below the mark, Sandfall Interactive’s pricing decision aligns well with current market trends, especially as competitors like Xbox and Nintendo prepare to increase game prices.
Moreover, Expedition 33 occupies a unique niche within the JRPG landscape, offering a modern, visually appealing turn-based experience that has been somewhat neglected by major players like Square Enix. Elliott noted that this gap in the market has allowed Expedition 33 to flourish, providing RPG fans with a long-desired vision of what a contemporary JRPG could be.
While Square Enix has ventured into realistic graphics with its recent titles, the shift towards real-time action gameplay in games like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth has left traditional turn-based mechanics in the background. Senior staff at Square Enix have acknowledged this trend, with producer Naoki Yoshida expressing an understanding of the allure of turn-based RPGs, even as younger audiences seem less inclined to engage with them.
Despite this, Square Enix has not entirely abandoned turn-based games, as evidenced by its ongoing support for franchises like Dragon Quest and the Octopath Traveler series. However, the recent high-profile releases have primarily targeted the action genre, leaving a void that Expedition 33 has successfully filled.
The Impact of Game Pass
Elliott also highlighted the positive impact of Game Pass on Expedition 33‘s sales. While inclusion on the platform may cannibalize premium sales on Xbox, it often generates a snowball effect of word-of-mouth promotion that can boost off-platform sales. This phenomenon has been observed with both first-party and third-party titles, enhancing visibility for indie games as well.
The marketing support from Xbox has further amplified the game’s reach, with a strong reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2024 setting the stage for a successful launch. Interestingly, the simultaneous release of the Oblivion remaster has not hindered Expedition 33‘s performance on Steam. While the remaster is selling at a brisk pace, Elliott noted that the two titles appeal to different segments of the RPG audience, allowing both to thrive.
As Expedition 33 continues to gain traction, it has even surpassed Oblivion on Steam’s global sales charts, prompting Elliott to pose a rhetorical question: “Who said turn-based combat was dead?” The success of Expedition 33 may well signal the opening of floodgates for realistic JRPGs, ushering in a new era for the genre.
