Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has emerged victorious in the early stages of the awards circuit, adding another triumph. Xbox has revealed that this RPG, developed by Sandfall Interactive, stands out as the most significant third-party game launch for 2025. Xbox detailed this impressive milestone through a post on their Xbox Wire, where they emphasized that Clair Obscur achieved the highest number of unique users within its first month on Xbox Game Pass. As part of the Game Pass roster from day one, launched on April 24, Clare Obscur has claimed its spot as a prominent title among third-party games.
Partnership with Xbox Since Last Year
Xbox has had a fruitful relationship with Clair Obscur since 2024. During a Developer Direct presentation, they showcased an early preview of the game, which captivated many with its distinctive visual style and time-based RPG combat system. A year later, Xbox’s investment in promoting Clair Obscur appears to have paid dividends, as the game’s Day 1 presence on Game Pass likely contributed to a surge in new subscribers.
While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has undoubtedly captured the attention of critics, Xbox’s acknowledgment also shows that it has resonated well with gamers. Positive reviews propelled interest, and the convenience of Game Pass enabled players to engage with the title without barriers. Standing out amongst a varied selection of games on Game Pass is an impressive feat for any third-party title.
This mutually beneficial relationship means Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Game Pass also expanded the game’s exposure and popularity. The game’s increasing visibility on social platforms and through fan recommendations resulted in a growing audience. Despite being one of 2025’s highest-rated games, the boost from Game Pass is undeniable.
What’s Next for This Title?
Although Xbox is currently highlighting Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the largest third-party launch, it is important to specify that it does not claim the title of the overall biggest launch. There’s speculation that upcoming announcements will address the biggest game launches from Xbox’s first-party lineup.
Given the impressive array of 2025 games, several titles could potentially compete for that title, including Avowed, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Outer Worlds 2.
In conclusion, as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to gain accolades, including a strong showing at the Golden Joystick Awards, it is poised for further recognition, potentially during forthcoming events like The Game Awards.
