Indie hit "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" is favourite for Game of the Year at next week's Game Awards — the video gaming industry's equivalent of the Oscars — marking the "cherry on top" of a blockbuster year for chief developer Guillaume Broche.
The co-founder of studio Sandfall Interactive in the southern French city Montpellier has been on an "emotional rollercoaster" thanks to the role-playing game's reception.
AFP caught up with the 33-year-old days before the Los Angeles award ceremony where "Clair Obscur" has been nominated in 12 categories — an industry record.
- How did you feel when you learned about your record number of nominations at the Game Awards?
In the moment we were happy, but we don't put too much weight on it. Of course it's gratifying to feel supported both by players and by industry. What's really rewarding are all the messages of support that we've received. It's so far beyond anything we hoped for. The Game Awards are kind of the cherry on top.
- Why do you think the game was so successful?
People found something unique and original in what we were offering and felt like they were playing a game that spoke directly to them, not necessarily a product made to please them. The story, art direction and game system combine to give it a truly unique personality that a lot of people enjoyed.
It's also a strong case of survivorship bias. There are a lot of backstories like ours around the world that don't necessarily lead to success. We've been very lucky to make it, but there's always risk involved.
- You said there would be more content released for 'Clair Obscur'. When can we expect to see it and are you working on a sequel?
It will come out when we're ready. As for the next game, we've made a bit of a start but it's still very early. We're not going to get any bigger, though. Our game worked because it was sincere and authentic; and also because it was made by a small team. There's no reason for us to change. — AFP
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