Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Leaves an Indelible Mark on the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry's calendar is centered around two major events: the cluster of activities surrounding the former E3 in May and June, and the Game Awards in December, which has become a crucial platform for developers to showcase their upcoming games. This year's Game Awards highlighted the industry's current state of mind, with many developers striving to find the next big hit like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The game's developer, Sandfall, and publisher, Kepler, received a significant compliment from their peers, not through awards, but through the numerous trailers and announcements that emulated the game's scale, ethos, and overall vibe. Trend-chasing is common in the gaming industry, but Clair Obscur's impact goes beyond the game itself, with many developers seeking to replicate its creation and marketing strategy. Sandfall's budget for the game was reportedly under $10 million, which is a stark contrast to the skyrocketing budgets of AAA titles. The game's success has sparked a debate about the cost of game development, with many arguing that well-managed and scoped projects can deliver amazing games within reasonable budgets. However, there is a risk that publishers may try to replicate Clair Obscur's success by pressuring development teams to work with limited resources, which could lead to a miserable workplace. The Game Awards showcased a mix of games that felt like major publishers trying to adopt a more lean development approach, as well as new teams and indie games with AAA visuals and presentation. If the industry shifts towards backing smaller projects, Clair Obscur's mark on the gaming business will be significant. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the trend, including the potential need for celebrity endorsements and the difficulty of replicating Clair Obscur's creative decisions and smart management. The game's success may also create unrealistic expectations about the ability to produce AAA-quality games on indie budgets, which could be damaging to the industry. Despite these concerns, the hints towards a future where smaller teams and lower-budget games are eagerly sought after are exciting, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may end up being one of the most influential games of the decade.