The former PlayStation executive believes that ambition, independent vision and affordable pricing have made Clair Obscur a success: Expedition 33
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida openly admires Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and calls on the gaming industry to follow the example of this JRPG. According to him, the game perfectly combines the ambitions of an AAA project, an AA budget, and an independent vision, proving that even a small team can create a hit that wins over critics, players, and sales charts.
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, created by Sandfall Interactive, became a real sensation in 2025. It not only received rave reviews from critics and players, but also proved that the market has room for several large RPGs at the same time, even if the release takes place in the shadow of high-profile blockbusters. According to Yoshida, one of the secrets of success is the affordable price of $50, which compares favourably with $80 titles from Nintendo and Xbox. However, according to him, the main thing is the balance between scale, creativity, and accessibility.
Yoshida noted that modern AAA games often become too long and tedious, and players are increasingly looking for projects that they can complete and get a full experience. Clair Obscur offers exactly that: a deep story, exquisite visual style, and an exciting combat system, but without stretching the gameplay too far. The main story lasts about 30 hours, and additional missions can double that time - and all this by a small but extremely productive team.
Yoshida emphasises that Clair Obscur is not just a copy of a classic, but a modern take on the genre with respect for tradition but also bold innovation. In his opinion, these are the games that should shape the future of the industry: "I hope that the game will be a well-deserved success, because it's time for AA titles to regain their market share."
He also emphasises that the growth of game prices is not the only way to develop. Clair Obscur proves that even with a limited budget, it is possible to create a visually amazing, deep and unique game if the team has a clear vision and freedom to create.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become a shining example of how a small studio can challenge the giants and set a new standard for the entire industry. You can find out more about the game in our article at this link.
Source: Playstation Inside
