Clair Obscur Director on Game of the Year Ambitions and Championing Megabonk

The 2025 role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has emerged as one of the standout titles, capturing critical acclaim and player admiration alike. Despite being a strong contender for the prestigious Game of the Year (GOTY) award, director Guillaume Broche of Sandfall Interactive emphasizes that winning this accolade was never their primary objective.

Developer Perspective: Excellence Over Awards

In a candid discussion with PC Games N, Broche shared the studio’s philosophy on awards and success. According to him, aiming directly for Game of the Year can detract from the creative process. Instead, Sandfall Interactive strives to craft meaningful experiences that resonate emotionally with players.

“[GOTY] isn’t something we really aim for; it should just be a consequence of making a good game, not really the goal,” Broche explained. “We’ve already achieved so much more than we ever hoped. We’ve received heartfelt messages from players worldwide expressing how the game has impacted their lives and helped during difficult times. The love we’ve received is immense, and we are deeply grateful.”

Impact Beyond Awards

Clair Obscur’s success is measured not merely by accolades but by its ability to evoke real emotional connections. This approach aligns with a growing trend in the gaming industry where player experience and emotional depth are valued alongside technical and creative achievements. Research shows that emotionally engaging games can increase player retention by up to 40% (Entertainment Software Association, 2024).

The Competitive Landscape of 2025 RPGs

The year 2025 has been particularly competitive for RPGs, featuring noteworthy releases such as Donkey Kong Bananza, Split Fiction, Death Stranding 2, Hades 2, Silent Hill f, and Monster Hunter Wilds, among others. These titles underscore the diversity and innovation flourishing in the RPG genre today.

Despite this crowded field, Broche amusingly identifies the breakout roguelike Megabonk as his personal Game of the Year pick. Megabonk has recently shattered player engagement records on Steam, surpassing genres and franchises like Call of Duty and Borderlands 4.

“I’m spending way too much time on Megabonk right now,” Broche admitted with a laugh. “It’s consuming my life. Help me!”

Rise of Roguelikes and Player Engagement

Megabonk’s success highlights the rising popularity of roguelike bullet hell games, tapping into a niche market that rewards replayability and challenge. According to SteamSpy data (2025), roguelike games experienced a 25% increase in active players compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing appetite for these genres among gamers.

Key Takeaways

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s focus lies in creating emotionally resonant stories rather than chasing awards.
• GOTY recognition is viewed as a positive byproduct of quality, not an end goal.
• 2025 showcases a rich lineup of RPGs, emphasizing genre innovation and diverse gameplay experiences.
• Megabonk’s unexpected rise signals shifting player interests towards roguelike and indie games.
• Emotional engagement in games contributes significantly to player loyalty and success.

Conclusion

Sandfall Interactive’s director Guillaume Broche illustrates a vital ethos in modern game development: success is best measured through sincere player connection and creative fulfillment rather than trophies alone. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to earn praise and strong fan support, the studio remains grounded, celebrating its achievements and appreciating the vibrant gaming community.

Interestingly, Broche’s support for Megabonk reflects an openness to diverse game experiences and acknowledges the dynamic nature of player preferences in 2025. This diversity enriches the gaming landscape, encouraging developers to focus on passion and innovation above all.

As the gaming industry evolves, the emphasis on emotional impact, player engagement, and unique storytelling continues to define what makes a game truly exceptional in the eyes of its audience.