Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the critically acclaimed debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive, has reached a staggering 3.3 million copies sold in just 33 days, marking one of the most successful independent video game launches in recent memory. Released on April 24, 2025, for PC and consoles, the game has captivated players worldwide with its unique artistic style, emotional storytelling, and innovative gameplay.
Check out the announcement tweet from the official X page for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 down below:
Published by Kepler Interactive, the title is not just a commercial hit it’s also a critical and cultural phenomenon, rapidly becoming a defining title and Game Of The Year contender for 2025.
Record-Breaking Numbers in Just Over a Month
- The game has over 1M units sold in first 3 days
- 3.3M units sold as of May 27, 2025 (excluding Game Pass downloads)
- 92 Metascore on consoles and a 9.7 user score on Metacritic
- Original soundtrack surpasses 90M streams, led by “Lumière,” which alone has over 13M streams and 2.8M+ views on YouTube
The game’s rapid success is even more remarkable given that it’s the first title from a studio made up of just 30 core developers, many of whom were working on a game for the first time.
The Power of Community and Artistry
Beyond sales, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sparked vibrant fan engagement:
Thousands of fans around the globe are actively sharing fanart, musical covers, and deep lore theories
The game’s surreal, painterly visual style and emotionally resonant narrative have drawn comparisons to classic RPGs, yet with a modern flair that resonates with both traditional and new audiences
The soundtrack by composer Lorien Testard debuted at the top of Billboard’s classical album chart and has helped the game stand out even further with its moving orchestral compositions.
Backed by Kepler Interactive
Published by Kepler Interactive, known for supporting bold and innovative developers, the game joins a portfolio that includes:
- Sifu (4M+ copies sold)
- Pacific Drive (1M+ copies sold in its first year)
- Tchia (Games for Impact winner)
- Upcoming titles like Rematch and PVKK from the creators of Dome Keeper
Kepler's support has enabled Clair Obscur to scale quickly and create amazing content without compromising its indie heart.
What’s Next?
With its global success now solidified, fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Sandfall Interactive. While no DLC or sequel has been confirmed, the sheer passion from the player base suggests that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may just be the beginning of a larger artistic legacy.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Synopsis: Once a year, the Paintress awakens to inscribe her cursed number on the monolith. And everyone of that age vanishes, turning to smoke, and fading into nothing. Each year, the number decreases, erasing more lives. Soon, she will mark “33.” When she does, we will embark on our final mission—to destroy the Paintress and end her deadly cycle for good.
Embark on the Expedition of a lifetime with Gustave (Charlie Cox), Maelle (Jennifer English), Lune (Kirsty Rider), Sciel (Shala Nyx), and Monoco (Rich Keeble), alongside incredible characters such as the powerful-yet–lazy Esquie (Maxence Carzola), the mysterious Verso (Ben Starr), and the brooding force that is Renoir (Andy Serkis). Let the world once again watch the sun rise without the shadow of her cursed figure, and may the wind of renewal take you to the ends of the earth.
What are your thoughts on the announcement? Have you played Clair Obscur yet? Which character is your favorite? Let us know how you are liking the game in the comments section down below!
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