In an era where blockbuster game development often conjures images of sprawling studios with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of developers crunching under immense pressure, the team behind the highly anticipated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is boldly charting a different course. Sandfall Games, the Montpellier-based studio, has revealed that their core team remains remarkably compact: just 33 dedicated members... and one very important canine companion.
This deliberate choice isn't born out of limitation, but out of a clear philosophy. Sandfall believes this intimate size is the ideal recipe for crafting their ambitious, full-price turn-based RPG. Forget the notion that bigger always means better; for Sandfall, 33 is the magic number that fosters creativity, agility, and a healthy work environment while still delivering a game of significant scope and polish.
Rooted in Experience, Focused on Vision
Sandfall Games isn't a newcomer stumbling onto this idea. Its founding members carry deep experience from major studios and titles, giving them a unique perspective on the pitfalls and pressures of large-scale development. This background informs their commitment to a smaller, more focused operation. The goal isn't just to make a game; it's to make their game, true to their vision, without the bloat and bureaucracy that can dilute creativity in massive teams.
"We’re just the right size for a full-price turn-based RPG," studio leadership has emphasized. This size allows for direct communication, rapid iteration, and a shared sense of ownership impossible to achieve in a faceless crowd. Every team member has a tangible impact, and crucially, leadership can maintain a close connection to every aspect of the project, ensuring cohesion and alignment with the core vision.
Why Small Works for Big Ambitions
So, how does a team of 33 (plus dog) tackle a game aiming for the AAA space?
- Agility & Iteration: Smaller teams can pivot and adapt quickly. Design ideas can be prototyped, tested, and refined without navigating layers of approval. Feedback loops are tight and meaningful.
- Clear Communication & Ownership: With fewer people, information flows freely. Team members aren't siloed; they understand how their work fits into the whole and feel genuine ownership over their contributions.
- Focus on Core Pillars: Resources aren't spread thin across countless features. Sandfall can concentrate intensely on what matters most for Clair Obscur: deep turn-based combat, a compelling narrative, striking art direction, and a cohesive world.
- Sustainable Development: Perhaps most importantly, a manageable team size is key to avoiding the industry's notorious crunch culture. Sandfall explicitly prioritizes a sustainable work-life balance, believing it leads to better creativity and product quality in the long run. A happy, healthy team is a productive team.
The Canine Factor: More Than Just a Mascot
And then there's Tofu, the studio dog. While undoubtedly adorable, Tofu represents something deeper: the human (and animal) element of game development. In a small studio, the atmosphere is personal. Tofu roaming the office isn't just a quirky detail; it's a symbol of the studio's commitment to a positive, grounded, and less corporate environment. It fosters camaraderie and provides those essential moments of levity crucial during intense development cycles.
A Growing Trend?
Sandfall's stance resonates with a growing, albeit still niche, sentiment within the industry. The breakout success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3 from Larian Studios (which, while larger than Sandfall, famously resisted publisher pressure to balloon prematurely) demonstrates that passionate, focused teams can deliver experiences that rival or surpass those from much larger entities. Gamers increasingly value the unique identity and cohesive vision that often emerges from studios operating outside the mega-corporate mold.
The Proof Will Be in the Expedition
Ultimately, the success of Sandfall's "33 and a dog" philosophy will be judged when Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches. However, their unwavering commitment to this structure, born from experience and a clear vision for sustainable creativity, is undeniably refreshing.
For a deeper dive into Sandfall Games' philosophy and their reasons for staying small, check out this insightful interview with the studio's leadership
As development progresses, all eyes will be on Sandfall Games. Can a team of 33 (and one dog) truly deliver a full-scale RPG that captivates players? If their focus, passion, and commitment to doing things their own way are any indication, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might just prove that sometimes, the most powerful expeditions are undertaken by a tight-knit crew who know exactly how to work together. And maybe, just maybe, having a good dog around is part of the secret formula for success.