The team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 signals that its next project will stay true to the studio’s own sensibilities, even as expectations rise. In a conversation tied to Edge magazine issue 419, through GamesRadar, Sandfall Interactive outlined how it plans to carry forward the studio’s distinctive approach into its next title. Expedition 33 cemented the studio’s reputation with strong reviews, awards, and public nods from high profile figures, underscoring the game’s cultural impact.
Francois Meurisse, Sandfall’s chief operating officer and production director, acknowledged a certain pressure from fans and critics about the next game but framed it as secondary. He emphasized that the studio has time to focus, with interesting ideas to explore, and noted that the team’s five additional years of experience could help push the project further.
Lead writer Jennifer Svedberg Yen described the challenge of managing expectations, noting she is mindful of fans but that creative autonomy remains central. She suggested the team would rather stay true to what they personally find engaging than chase external approval.
She reinforced that creative decisions are guided by the studio’s North Star, the personal tastes of the team, and a belief that chasing trends can erode the heart of a project. The group intends to trust its instincts and keep the studio’s original vision intact.
Sandfall’s rising profile means greater scrutiny and higher expectations, but the studio has demonstrated it can deliver unique mechanics. PC Gamer coverage of Expedition 33 highlighted the parrying system as a standout, praising it as surprisingly fun and well implemented.
Development for the next game is described as a new chapter that will be different in some ways due to reputation and audience, but the studio intends to stay disciplined about its approach. The article notes that the next Clair Obscur project will be ambitious and personal, rooted in Sandfall’s established philosophy.
With a clear commitment to its North Star, Sandfall plans to begin work with its characteristic balance of ambition and restraint, trusting its instincts as it moves from Expedition 33's success into its next chapter.
