The JRPG phenomenon that defined 2025, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, was easily one of the most successful and decorated games of the year, taking home numerous accolades including the coveted Game of the Year award. However, amidst the massive critical acclaim and commercial success, developer Sandfall Interactive was genuinely surprised by the overwhelming positive reception to one specific part of the experience: the side content.
The development team confessed they “underestimated” just how deeply the extensive optional elements would resonate with players. Speaking recently to Edge Magazine, lead game designer Michel Nohra explained that the additional bosses, minigames, and numerous side quests proved far more popular than initially anticipated. Nohra observed that players often prioritize completing all optional activities before tackling the final moments of the main story, fearing a drop in motivation once the narrative concludes.
This dedicated approach meant players consumed the optional content at an unforeseen rate, which had a slight consequence. Nohra admitted that the design choice led to some disappointment among fans who desired a much more challenging final boss fight after exhausting the game’s depth. While the developer stands by their structural decisions, Nohra suggested that clearer communication about choices in Act 3 could have helped manage player expectations regarding the difficulty curve. Ultimately, the popularity of the game’s breadth provided a valuable, if surprising, lesson for the studio.