Sandfall Interactive
Sandfall Interactive business and news from across the web.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 makes you "complicit" in moments like the RPG's first big twist, lead writer says, so you can "experience what grief feels like in this world"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's lead writer, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, stated that Sandfall Interactive aimed to make players feel "complicit in the story" and experience grief through a major plot twist. The game's interactive nature is key to immersing players in the narrative decisions and character developments, particularly following the death of the protagonist Gustave.- Crimson Desert developer apologizes and promises to replace AI-generated artPearl Abyss has apologized for including AI-generated art in its open-world RPG Crimson Desert, stating that some 2D visual props were created using experimental AI tools and not replaced before launch. The developer will conduct an audit and replace affected assets in upcoming patches, aiming for greater transparency. This follows similar controversies involving Sandfall Interactive and Embark Studios.
From Student to Master: How Clair Obscur Won Over Final Fantasy LegendsThe indie JRPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has gained significant industry recognition, with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Final Fantasy VII Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi publicly praising the game. Hamaguchi even named it his game of the year for 2025, highlighting its balanced quality. This acknowledgment has led to inspiring interactions between the developers at Sandfall Interactive and the Final Fantasy team.
Crimson Desert’s AI-Generated Assets Were “Unintentionally Included,” Says Pearl AbyssPearl Abyss has addressed controversy surrounding the unintentional inclusion of AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert. The developer stated that these assets were part of early-stage iteration and intended to be replaced, apologizing for the lack of transparency and the oversight. Pearl Abyss is now conducting an audit to replace affected content and is reviewing internal processes to improve communication with players.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Art Book Arrives This November | Console CreaturesPix'n Love and UDON Entertainment will release "The Art of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" art book in November 2026. Pre-orders for both Standard and Limited Collector's Editions open on March 23, 2026, with the latter priced at $100 USD/$139 CAD and featuring exclusive bonus items.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's lead writer "never even considered" a true, happy ending for the hit RPGLead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen stated that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not have a canon ending, with both available conclusions being equally valid. The studio intentionally avoided creating a definitive happy ending, encouraging players to engage with the game's narrative subjectivity. This approach is seen as a deliberate choice to foster discussion and contemplation within the game's universe.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 star worries the industry will learn the wrong lessons from the J'RPG's success: "Capitalism is unwilling to ask the why because they’re interested in the how"Actor Ben Starr expressed concern that the video game industry might misinterpret the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, potentially leading to misguided lessons about development and capitalism. He believes the focus should be on understanding the 'why' behind its success rather than just the 'how,' which he feels is often overlooked by investors interested in cost-cutting.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs bet on the RPG's Metacritic score, but bet so low that "everybody lost," resulting in forfeits like gobbling whole roast chickensDevelopers at Sandfall Interactive made internal bets on the Metacritic score for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, with the expectation of performing dares if the score exceeded their predictions. The game ultimately achieved a highly acclaimed score of 92, leading to many developers losing their bets.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen Joined the Team After Working in Finance, Teaching Cuban Salsa, and a NASA Experiment: 'Maybe I Can Say I'm a Writer Now' - IGNJennifer Svedberg-Yen, a writer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, discusses her unconventional path into game development, which included a career in finance, teaching Cuban salsa, and participating in a NASA experiment. She details how her diverse life experiences influenced her writing for the game and her journey from having minimal gaming knowledge to becoming an avid player and achievement hunter.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Devs Won't Pick a Canon Ending as They Work on a Sequel: 'It Is a Schrodinger's Ending' - IGNSandfall Interactive will not designate a canon ending for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, according to writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen. The game features two distinct endings based on player choice, and the developer intends to treat both as equally valid narratives as they work on future titles in the same universe. Svedberg-Yen described the endings as 'Schrodinger's endings,' emphasizing that neither will be officially chosen over the other.
Clair Obscur's narrative lead says while it's 'a painful process' to write, AI has never tempted her: 'The whole point of writing is to express what I have in my head'The narrative lead for Clair Obscur stated that while writing is a difficult process, AI has not been a temptation due to its lack of genuine creative expression. She views AI as a complex search engine rather than a creative tool. The studio Sandfall Interactive faced criticism for using AI-generated textures as placeholders.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead writer doesn't use AI for work because "writing is part of the joy," and…Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, lead writer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, stated she does not use AI in her writing process, emphasizing that the creative and emotional struggle is integral to the joy and authenticity of storytelling. She believes AI cannot replicate the human experience and perspective necessary for genuine narrative creation.
Daredevil Star Charlie Cox Working on New Video Game Following Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Success - IGNActor Charlie Cox, known for his role in Daredevil, is working on a new, more involved video game project following his voice acting work in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Cox expressed his passion for the gaming community and plans to contribute more significantly to his next title, potentially including performance capture.
Expedition 33's Charlie Cox Teases He's Doing Another Video Game That Will Be "Much More Involved"Actor Charlie Cox, who made his video game debut in the successful Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has revealed he will be participating in another game this year with a more involved role. Cox expressed his enjoyment of voicing Gustave in Expedition 33 and was surprised by the game's success and the passion of gaming fans. Developer Sandfall Interactive is also working on a new project, with lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen emphasizing a commitment to the studio's vision over solely pleasing fans.
Daredevil actor Charlie Cox says he's acting in another video game after playing Gustave in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: "It has seemingly opened up a new avenue for my professional work"Actor Charlie Cox, known for playing Daredevil, has revealed he is acting in another video game this year, following his debut in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Cox stated that this new role is more involved than his previous one and has opened up a new professional avenue for him, expressing surprise at the passion of video game communities.
Best Fantasy Games To Escape The World In 2026This guide highlights 15 of the best fantasy games available on modern platforms, focusing on titles that offer immersive worlds and engaging gameplay. The list includes a variety of RPG subgenres, from first-person and CRPG to action and turn-based, featuring games like Avowed, Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Clair Obscur and Dispatch lead BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominationsClair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch lead the BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations with 12 and nine nods respectively. A total of 42 titles received nominations across various categories, with Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Arc Raiders also securing multiple nominations. The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 17, 2026, in London.
Expedition 33 Sequel? Writer Staying Quiet On Franchise's FutureSandfall Interactive's lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen remains tight-lipped about a potential sequel to their successful debut game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Studio head François Meurisse has confirmed plans for a new project, emphasizing the team's desire to pursue their own creative vision rather than solely catering to fan expectations.- "If I told you, I'd have to kill you": Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 writer can't say where she wants…Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, lead writer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, discussed the potential future of the series in an interview at the Game Developers Conference. She remained tight-lipped about where the series might go, even if it becomes a multi-game franchise.
- BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations revealed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads in 12 categoriesSandfall Interactive's RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received 12 nominations for the BAFTA Game Awards 2026, including for Best Game and Best Performance. The nominations highlight the game's critical reception and the performance of its actors.