Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Developers Celebrate French Studio’s Climbing Sim Release on Steam and PS5 with a Playful Reference to Their Own Game: “Expedition 69’s Favorite Game is Here!”

Sandfall Entertainment, the team behind the hit J’RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, recently took a moment to celebrate their fellow French developers with the launch of a new game. This shout-out not only highlights camaraderie in the gaming community but also includes a humorous nod to Sandfall’s own success.

The game in question is Cairn, a climbing simulator that challenges players to be the first to conquer a particularly perilous mountain. Developed by The Game Bakers, this studio is also based in Montpellier, the same southern French city as Sandfall, which adds a nice touch of local pride to the announcement.

“Expedition 69’s favorite game is out!!” the official Sandfall account shared on Twitter. “Congratulations to our Montpellier friends at The Game Bakers!” To those unfamiliar with Expedition 33, this might come off as a lighthearted quip, but there’s a deeper connection.

In the lore of Clair Obscur, Expedition 69 was a real group that set out to gather intel and map the Continent. They created handholds on cliffs and mountains for future adventurers, earning a reputation as skilled climbers. Unfortunately, they never returned home, but their legacy lives on, making the journey across the Continent easier for others.

This context makes it clear that the members of Expedition 69 would likely appreciate what Cairn has to offer. The game aims to replicate the challenges of scaling a harsh mountainside, requiring players to carefully plan each movement while managing their hiking gear. While the mechanics can feel overwhelming, various difficulty levels are available to ease players into the experience.

Cairn is available on Steam and PS5, so here’s hoping you have a smoother journey than the travelers of the Continent.

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the beloved character Esquie was initially envisioned as a lovable giant akin to Mulan’s companion, but his voice actor had a different inspiration: “I pictured Baymax from Big Hero 6.”