The gaming industry is buzzing with the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a critically acclaimed JRPG developed by Sandfall Interactive. Despite the game's phenomenal reception, the studio's leads, Guillaume Broche and Tom Guillermin, have a unique perspective on growth and management.
In an exclusive interview with Edge magazine, Broche and Guillermin revealed their stance on scaling up the studio. They believe that limitations can foster creativity and that their current team size is ideal for delivering quality games.
"It's not about the number of people," Broche emphasized. "Our vision is to create exceptional games, and we've found that our current team dynamic works best. We don't want to change that."
But here's where it gets controversial: with the game's success and increased funding, many would expect Sandfall Interactive to expand. However, Broche and Guillermin insist that their love for game development surpasses their desire for management roles.
"We could scale up, but it's not tempting," Broche explained. "We enjoy the hands-on approach and being directly involved. These past years have been some of the best in my life, and I want to maintain that happiness."
Guillermin added, "Our team is like a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows each other, and we've established a strong foundation. Expanding for the sake of expansion isn't our goal. We want to continue delivering quality games."
And this is the part most people miss: the studio's success isn't solely attributed to its size. It's a testament to the talent and passion of the individuals involved.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Game of the Year at the 15th Annual New York Game Awards and multiple nominations at the Game Developer Choice Awards and DICE Awards.
So, what's next for Sandfall Interactive? Will they continue to resist the call to scale up, or will they embrace expansion? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on the studio's approach? Do you think their vision is sustainable in the long run? Share your insights in the comments below!
