Sandfall does not seek the GOTY with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The French study ensures that it has already achieved more than it expected, and that the awards are not its objective.

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Although Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is shaping up to be one of the top contenders for Game of the Year, its director, Guillaume Broche, remains grounded. In an interview with PCGamesN, the head of Sandfall Interactive explained that winning GOTY “isn’t something they’re aiming for”, and that the studio’s true success lies in the emotional impact the game has had on players.

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“GOTY isn’t something we’re looking for; it should be a consequence of making a good game, not the goal”, Broche commented. “We’ve already received thousands of messages from players all over the world telling us that Clair Obscur has helped them through tough times. With that, we already feel like we’ve won.”

“Our goal is to evoke emotions, not collect awards”

Broche pointed out that Sandfall’s purpose has always been to create something that deeply connects with the audience, and that any award would be simply “a nice bonus”. He also joked about how hard it’s been to focus lately, since he can’t stop playing Megabonk, the roguelike that’s taking Steam by storm.

I’m spending too much time with Megabonk. It’s my life. Help!

The director acknowledged that 2025 has been an outstanding year for the industry, with titles like Hades II, Death Stranding 2, Silent Hill f, Monster Hunter Wilds, or Ghost of Yotei among the top contenders. But regardless of the outcome in December, Sandfall considers its mission already accomplished: having moved and surprised players with a work that has transcended beyond critical acclaim.