Clair Obscur Director on Game of the Year and Megabonk’s Rise
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” the surprise RPG success of 2025, has emerged as a strong contender for Game of the Year (GOTY). However, Guillaume Broche, the game’s director at Sandfall Interactive, clarifies that winning such an accolade was never the studio’s primary ambition.
Focus Beyond Awards: Creating Emotional Impact
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Broche explained the studio’s perspective on awards and the ultimate ambition behind their work. Rather than pursuing prestigious industry accolades as an end goal, Sandfall prioritized crafting a game that resonates deeply with players on an emotional level.
“Game of the Year isn’t something we really aim for; it should just be a consequence of making a good game, not really the goal,” Broche stated. “Our philosophy is that we’ve already achieved so much more than we wanted to achieve. We’ve received so many beautiful messages from players around the world saying that the game changed their lives and helped them through tough times. There’s so much love, and we are, in exchange, so grateful.”
This focus on player connection rather than accolades aligns with broader industry trends. Games that foster meaningful emotional experiences often enjoy more enduring communities and critical acclaim. For example, titles like “Hades” and “Celeste” have shown how emotional depth can contribute to success even without prioritizing awards during development.
The Competitive Landscape of 2025’s RPGs
The 2025 gaming season has been exceptionally competitive, with many notable releases across various platforms. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” competes against heavy-hitters such as:
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Split Fiction
- Death Stranding 2
- Hades 2
- Silent Hill f
- Ghost of Yotei
- Monster Hunter Wilds
Despite this crowded field, Broche humorously reveals a somewhat surprising personal contender for Game of the Year outside of the traditional RPGs:
“In terms of personal picks, I don’t know if it’s a serious one, but I’m spending way too much time on Megabonk right now,” Broche admitted with a laugh. “It’s my life. Help me!”
Megabonk: The Unexpected Chart-Topper
Megabonk, a roguelike bullet hell game on Steam, has been making waves by setting new player records over the recent weekend. It has outpaced established franchises like Call of Duty, Borderlands 4, and Marvel Rivals in concurrent players—an impressive feat highlighted by its organic viral growth and enthusiastic fanbase.
This surge aligns with a growing trend where indie and niche genre games carve out significant market share thanks to innovative gameplay and community engagement. According to Steam Charts, indie roguelikes have seen a 30% increase in average concurrent players year-over-year, underscoring broader player interest in diverse gaming experiences.
Why Emotional Resonance Matters in Game Development
Broche’s reflections underscore a key principle in game development: emotional resonance. Instead of simply chasing awards or sales milestones, the focus shifts to the quality of the player’s experience and the meaningful connections forged through storytelling, gameplay, and community.
Key aspects driving Clair Obscur’s success:
- Emotional storytelling: The game connects with players on a personal level, often cited in player testimonials.
- Innovative gameplay mechanics: Blending JRPG elements with fresh design choices.
- Community feedback: Active dialogue with players that shapes ongoing updates and expansions.
These qualities are increasingly recognized as vital by industry leaders and researchers alike. A 2024 study by the Entertainment Software Association emphasized that 68% of gamers value emotional connection and story quality over graphical fidelity or awards.
Conclusion: Success Through Impact, Not Just Accolades
Sandfall Interactive’s journey with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 exemplifies how creating meaningful, impactful gaming experiences can lead to success that transcends traditional goals like Game of the Year awards. The studio’s humility and player-first philosophy reinforce an important industry lesson: prioritizing authentic player engagement and emotional resonance often yields the most rewarding outcomes.
Meanwhile, the rise of indie sensations like Megabonk highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the gaming landscape in 2025, where innovation and community enthusiasm continue to redefine success metrics.
As the year progresses, it will be fascinating to observe which games leave a lasting legacy—not only through awards but through genuine player impact.
