Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made waves in the gaming world with its launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, also debuting on Xbox Game Pass. Despite fierce competition from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, the debut title from Sandfall Interactive emerged as a standout hit. This success was unexpected yet celebrated as it became the biggest new third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.
Breaking Records and Gaining Acclaim
Reports suggest that the remaster of Oblivion posed no threat to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s success. Instead, the game captured the gaming community’s attention, becoming a sensation and the most significant third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass. The excitement surrounding the game extended to The Game Awards, with Clair Obscur already being hailed as a contender for Game of the Year, especially after its sweep at the Golden Joysticks.
A Journey Supported by Xbox
Tracking metrics started the previous year when Palworld held the title for the biggest third-party Game Pass launch. Xbox’s support for Clair Obscur has been evident since its feature in January’s Developer_Direct video. The game’s launch size was determined by the number of unique players in its first 30 days, drawing players to Xbox Game Pass to experience the phenomenon firsthand.
Sandfall Interactive’s creative director, Guillaume Broche, expressed gratitude for the fans’ support, noting the partnership with Xbox and Game Pass as vital for the game’s success. Xbox’s involvement, from the game’s announcement to its promotion, played a crucial role in reaching a broad audience.
The ability for many players to try Clair Obscur without prior commitment highlighted Game Pass’s potential to draw in fans of the turn-based RPG genre. Broche emphasized that Game Pass lowered the barrier for those who might prefer real-time action games, allowing them to explore Clair Obscur and discover its appeal.
Clair Obscur’s Awards and Nominations
The game has garnered critical acclaim, with reviews praising its potential as a Game of the Year candidate. It scored a 9.5/10 in reviews, lauding its captivating gameplay. Clair Obscur’s achievements at The Golden Joysticks, where it won seven awards, including Ultimate Game of the Year, further solidified its status. With 12 nominations at The Game Awards, it is well-positioned to replicate its earlier success.