“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Highlights Its Unique Take on JRPGs Amidst Growing French RPG Movement”

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s creative director, Guillaume Broche, emphasizes that Sandfall Interactive’s goal was never to create a JRPG but rather to craft a distinctly French experience. Following the success of their groundbreaking game, he believes there’s a growing trend in France towards developing FRPGs.

In a translated interview, Broche explains that while the team drew inspiration from JRPGs, they aimed to forge their own path. “When many Western teams create JRPG-style games, they often collaborate with Japanese artists for character design or music,” he notes. “Or they attempt to mimic the Japanese aesthetic. But we had no intention of following that route.”

If you caught Sandfall Interactive at The Game Awards 2025, you might have seen the team proudly donning their striped shirts and berets while celebrating their numerous accolades. This flair is a reflection of their vision for the game.

“Our approach was to take gameplay cues from JRPGs,” Broche states. “But beyond that, we are not Japanese; we will do things our way. Being French means we will create something uniquely French.”

Players of Expedition 33 will recognize that its setting, characters, and narrative are steeped in French culture. “I believe the essence of Expedition 33 diverges significantly from traditional JRPGs,” Broche remarks. “Right now, there’s a movement in France to develop FRPGs.”

Broche acknowledges that while he incorporated some elements from Japanese game design, such as turn-based combat, there are other influences as well. The stylish user interface, reminiscent of Persona, is one example.

He also highlights the sound design inspired by the Ace Attorney series, where every player decision is accompanied by a satisfying sound effect. Broche points out that Western developers often overlook these subtle details.

In a nod to the genre, Broche mentions that the gameplay in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has “very Japanese” mechanics, allowing players to navigate challenges “without taking a single hit.” He expresses a determination to keep pushing boundaries, even when faced with skepticism.