Game Awards Buzz Is ‘Cherry on Top’ for ‘Clair Obscur’ Maker

AFP/APP

Paris: Indie hit “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is the frontrunner for Game of the Year at next week’s Game Awards — the video gaming industry’s equivalent of the Oscars — marking the “cherry on top” of a blockbuster year for chief developer Guillaume Broche.

The co-founder of Sandfall Interactive, based in Montpellier in southern France, says he has been on an “emotional rollercoaster” thanks to the role-playing game’s overwhelming reception.

AFP spoke with the 33-year-old days before the Los Angeles award ceremony, where Clair Obscur has been nominated in 12 categories — an industry record.

How did you feel when you learned about the record number of nominations?

“In the moment we were happy, but we don’t put too much weight on it. Of course it’s gratifying to feel supported both by players and by the industry. What’s really rewarding are the messages of support we’ve received. It’s so far beyond anything we hoped for. The Game Awards are kind of the cherry on top.”

How have things changed since the game’s April release and five million copies sold?

“It’s been a constant emotional rollercoaster. We had the euphoric period after release when we realised everyone was playing and loving the game. After five years working in our bubble, we were overwhelmed by everything happening.

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“We were getting hundreds of messages daily from people saying the game had changed their lives. It became a cultural phenomenon we hadn’t anticipated at all. Paradoxically, that emotional overload also brought a bit of a depressive period — it was just too much for one person.”

Why do you think the game was so successful?

“People found something unique and original — a game that spoke directly to them, not just a product designed to please them. The story, art direction, and gameplay combine to give it a truly unique personality many people enjoyed.

“It’s also a strong case of survivorship bias. Many stories like ours don’t lead to success. We’ve been very lucky — but success always involves risk.”

Ari Gibson (Hollow Knight: Silksong) called your game ‘exceptional and broadly palatable’. Does he expect you to win?

“I admire that team, so it’s a pleasure to hear them say that. I think they’re playing a bit on their reputation as a mysterious, system-defying studio. I’m happy they liked the game. We liked Silksong a lot, too.”

Some online critics question your nominations or that the game is classed as independent despite having an international publisher…

“We don’t pay much attention. We live in a time when people go a bit crazy whenever awards are involved. The internet is harsh on many topics. Not much of it reaches us. For every three negative comments, we get 100 loving messages directly from fans.”

You promised more content for Clair Obscur. When can fans expect it — and is a sequel coming?

“It will come out when we’re ready. As for the next game, we’ve made a start but it’s still very early. We’re not going to get any bigger as a team. Our game worked because it was sincere and authentic — created by a small team. There’s no reason for us to change.”