Is it true that only 30 people developed Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, a game that has magnificent and enchanting visuals and gameplay? It might sound impossible, but it is what actually happened.The game has become a major talking point in the global gaming industry due to its stunning visuals and impressive gameplay design. But what’s truly surprising is that Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 was developed by a small team under the French indie studio, Sandfall Interactive.
Sandfall Interactive may be labelled as an indie studio, but the team of developers aren’t just amateurs. In fact, its team is composed of industry veterans with years of experience in top-tier game development.The studio’s founder was formerly a Brand Development Manager and Narrative Lead at Ubisoft, the same studio that created infamous games like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. He knew exactly how to build a lean but highly effective team capable of delivering premium quality games.
30 Developers, All Industry Veterans
Every one of the 30 developers is a seasoned veteran of the game industry, having worked on major titles before. They understand the production pipeline, know how to streamline workflows, and know how to get the most out of limited resources.
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Imagine that 30 people created a game that visually and mechanically rivals full-scale AAA titles. This proves that greatness doesn’t always come from big teams, but from experience, smart management, and a strong creative vision.
A “Small” Budget for AAA Standards, Used Exceptionally Well
The game was reportedly developed on a budget of around $20–30 million USD. On paper, that’s a substantial amount. But in the world of AAA game development, it’s relatively modest, especially when compared to other blockbusters that exceed $100 million in production costs.
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Still, Sandfall Interactive made the most of every dollar. Instead of spending a fortune on flashy marketing campaigns like the big publishers, they focused on crafting a high-quality player experience. The result? Stunning trailers, a captivated audience, and massive hype, even before the game’s release.
What About Indonesia’s Game Industry?
Compared to this, the Indonesian game development scene still has a long way to go. But that doesn’t mean we can’t reach similar heights someday. Local developers, like @lucky_holmes_ and many others in the Indonesian dev community, are working hard to level up their skills and bring more polish to their projects.
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If you want to support Indonesian game developers, you can help grow the local game industry in simple yet impactful ways. You can start by buying local games, leave reviews, engage with developers on social media, or simply acknowledge and appreciate their work. Those small things you do mean a lot and might just inspire a new wave of top-tier local games.
Learn More from @lucky_holmes_
If you’re curious about games and their development, especially how to build a game studio and produce high-quality titles, @lucky_holmes_ is a great place to start. On Instagram, Lucky shares his personal experiences, deep industry insights, and in-depth discussions about the challenges and opportunities in both the local and global gaming scenes.