As Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to captivate gamers with its surreal world and deeply artistic vision, the director behind the hit indie RPG, Guillaume Broche, recently opened up about what truly drives creative success in game development—and it might be simpler than you think.
In an interview with Pirate Software (watch here), Broche shared his most important advice for developers:
“You have to make a game that you will like.”
🎮 Be True to Your Vision
While this concept might sound familiar to anyone in creative fields, Broche’s execution of this philosophy is what sets Clair Obscur apart. He emphasized that every decision in the game came from a place of personal taste and conviction.
“If I don’t like it, it doesn’t go in the game.”
Rather than chasing trends or appealing to mass expectations, Broche focused on creating something he would genuinely want to play. This vision-first approach, he believes, is why the game resonates so deeply with players.
💡 Authenticity Over Audience Guesswork
Broche pointed out that when a game “talks deeply to a player,” based on the developer’s own honest vision, it has already succeeded. This level of authenticity, according to him, is a shared trait among many successful indie games.
He also believes that authentic joy and honesty radiate through the game, something players can feel instantly. That sense of creative truth was central to Clair Obscur‘s success.
🧩 Teamwork, Luck, and Alignment
Interestingly, Broche acknowledges that part of the game’s success also came down to luck. He described how his team—composed mostly of junior developers—came together in unpredictable ways.
“The stars aligned,” he said, grateful that his tastes ended up aligning with what he calls “mainstream enough” to be accessible while still being personally fulfilling.
Despite the challenges, the combination of authentic vision, teamwork, and a bit of serendipity helped shape Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 into one of the most compelling RPGs of the year.
🚀 Final Takeaway for Developers
For anyone aspiring to enter the game industry, Guillaume Broche’s advice is clear:
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Build what you love.
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Be honest in your creative choices.
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Let your team form around your vision.
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Don’t underestimate the power of joy and soul in your work.
In an industry often driven by market trends and analytics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands as a powerful reminder that authentic games leave lasting impressions—and sometimes, the most personal projects become the most universally loved.