During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, I had the opportunity to engage with François Meurisse, the producer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and COO of Sandfall Interactive. Our conversation delved into the game’s roots in the rich history of JRPGs, the narrative possibilities afforded by its mechanics, and the surprising connections Expedition 33 shares with its predecessors.
Inspiration and Development
Meurisse revealed that the inception of Expedition 33 was driven by a desire for fresh turn-based RPG experiences. Sandfall’s founder and creative director, Guillaume Broche, embarked on this journey as a passion project back in early 2019, motivated by a personal yearning for innovation in the genre.
The game introduces a parry system designed to mitigate incoming attacks and allows players to aim freely with ranged weapons to target enemy weak points. Interestingly, Meurisse noted that Broche’s creative influences were diverse. “It was really funny, because I’m a big Nintendo player, so when Guillaume came up with the defense system, I was like, ‘Okay, this is from Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door,'” he shared. However, Broche had never experienced the Nintendo classic until after development began, spurred on by Meurisse’s suggestion.
At the time of development, Broche was immersed in FromSoftware titles, particularly Sekiro. He envisioned capturing the essence of party dynamics found in Sekiro within a turn-based framework. While Meurisse leans towards influences from Paper Mario and EarthBound, Broche’s inspirations stem from iconic titles like Final Fantasy and Lost Odyssey, alongside the darker tones of FromSoftware.
Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Depth
Despite Expedition 33’s distinctive aesthetic and its eclectic blend of mechanics, Meurisse perceives it as more of an homage to classic JRPGs rather than a groundbreaking innovator. “I don’t know if we’re super innovative in our gameplay mechanics,” he remarked. “I think not, but they’re just assembled in a unique and clever way.” This sentiment echoes the notion that many beloved games, such as Baldur’s Gate 3, draw from established elements found in earlier CRPGs like Arcanum, Fallout, and Dragon Age, yet manage to create something uniquely cohesive.
As our discussion progressed, we touched upon the expanding diversity in storytelling and aesthetic presentation within the realm of JRPGs and similar titles. Recent examples like Like a Dragon, Undertale, and Persona 5 showcase this evolution, alongside more experimental indie games such as Hylics, Felvidek, and Fear and Hunger. Meurisse expressed optimism about this trend, stating, “If it’s done with the right ideas and creativity and the right creator, I think any kind of gameplay can fit any kind of story.”
With a release date set for April 23, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already generating anticipation among fans. Players can wishlist the game on Steam, eager to explore the unique blend of influences and storytelling that awaits them.
