Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is relatively brief for a JRPG. In fact, even if players delve into the endgame, the total playtime can extend to about 60 hours, including a New Game+ mode for further exploration.

Sandfall Interactive, which has a team of around 30 (excluding contractors), aimed for this design ethos from the outset. Matthew Handrahan, the portfolio director, shared insights in a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz. He stated, “One of the things that’s great about Expedition 33 is it really respects the player’s time. It provides ample content and satisfaction without inflating gameplay to an unreasonable length.”

Handrahan expressed that many games tend to unnecessarily expand playtime and echoed sentiments that brevity could enhance the gaming experience. Similarly, François Meurisse articulated the vision of an “intense and short experience” early in development, asserting that the fun derived from games should outweigh their duration. He pointed out that shorter games, like Inside, can also offer great value.

Ultimately, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has demonstrated success, offering a unique balance between intensity and playtime.