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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just a strong Game of the Year candidate, but also a massive sales triumph. Developer Sandfall Interactive along with publisher Kepler Interactive disclosed that this title topped 5 million units in sales, this is in spite of it being a launch-day addition on Xbox Game Pass.

Its success came as quite a surprise to the developers. I was convinced that we'd create a solid title achieving some average market performance,” the COO and producer explained.

Another leading developer remarked this title's review aggregate, which currently sits at 93, came as the greatest surprise” to the team versus “our initial expectations and what the reality proved to be. When the score released the entire team was screaming and jumping. The energy was electric.”

The positive reception has led to work on a complimentary expansion for the game featuring fresh areas, foes, along with challenging bosses, reportedly is coming in the next few months.

Nevertheless, as the title expands, don’t expect the studio to grow. “We have a talented crew guided by a visionary director with a clear direction for our work and future concepts. Our goal is to maintain the close-knit size that made this possible then develop one big game after another,” the producer said.

The size of Sandfall generated a storm of discussion following launch. Some developers, like Hideo Kojima, viewed the development group as the model for game development. While Sandfall was and is relatively lean compared to its AAA counterparts, a quick look at the title's staff list reveals numerous contributors were involved; Sandfall contracted a Korean team to work on gameplay animations, to illustrate.

“We plan to recruit slightly more definitely when facing an increase in development in upcoming years,” the producer stated. “Yet I picture more of a workshop comprising a handful exceptionally gifted creators that create a work of art together.” It was stated that the studio's philosophy as a company “focuses on preserving the successful elements that led to this accomplishment in the first place.”

Despite being too early for Sandfall to disclose concrete plans what’s next — rest assured, efforts were made — the developers understand what’s at its core. “The turn-based aspect, is integral to our identity of this project,” they explained. “It's still premature to announce future passions, but it's important also to remain faithful to the DNA of studio through compelling worlds plus innovative play that excites us.”

They mentioned that the project started with their director pursuing his ideal project. It is hoped that's something will be repeated in coming projects.”