Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Expresses Sadness Over the Decline of Physical Discs

Earlier this month, PlayStation revealed plans to cease production of physical video game discs in a few years, sparking a wave of reactions, including calls for boycotts. The developers behind last year’s standout title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, recently shared their thoughts on this decision, acknowledging the business rationale but expressing disappointment over the loss of physical media.

In a recent interview, members of the Clair Obscur team at Sandfall discussed their hit game and the implications of PlayStation’s announcement to stop producing physical discs starting in 2028. They expressed sadness over the news, emphasizing the significance of physical games for players.

Creative director Guillaume Broche stated, “Personally, I find it super sad because I really like video game stores. Even though I mainly play on PC now, many on our team enjoy collecting physical discs on PS5. There’s something beautiful about art being tangible, something you can hold. I completely understand why people want their rows of DVDs and games to feel that ownership. So, I think it’s a shame.”

Broche acknowledged that while the decision makes sense from a business perspective, it’s a disappointing turn for the artistry of video games.

Sandfall co-founder and CTO Tom Guillermin shared insights about the physical edition of Expedition 33. Before the game’s launch, the team considered skipping a physical release due to the added complexities and costs. However, Guillermin noted that for them, physical copies were essential. “Physical was something special for the studio, and we wanted players to be able to hold [the game] in their hands.”

He added, “Even though it made things harder and meant less profit per unit, it was important for us to offer players who want a physical copy that option. That’s something we value as players too.”

The developers expressed that seeing physical copies of their game in stores made the experience feel “real,” a sentiment that extended beyond their own title.

Lead character and concept artist Alan Reynaud remarked, “Knowing that may not be possible again makes me a bit sad. Maybe it’s the child in me, but I love going out, buying a game, and coming home with it. It’s a nice feeling.”

He drew a parallel to manga, stating, “It’s nice to read on your phone, but having a real book is just a different feeling. I can’t imagine a world where manga is just scanned and stored on a computer. It would be sad not to have it in your library. The same applies to games. Sure, it makes more sense business-wise, but you lose the spirit of it.”

The Sandfall team shares a deep appreciation for physical media and concerns about its future. However, it seems unlikely that Sony will alter its plans, especially given the stark contrast between physical and digital sales. The all-digital future is on the horizon, and it appears that neither Sony nor Xbox is fully prepared for it.