"Dark and Light: Return of the French Influence in Video Game Development (Expedition 33)"
In a dystopian twist, the iconic Eiffel Tower is warped, the Arc de Triomphe crumbles, and Haussmannian architecture lies in ruins. Such is the state of Lumière, a city reminiscent of Belle Époque Paris, in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Due for release on April 24 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, Lumière plays host to characters with French-tinged names like Renoir, Lune, and Gustave, a wink to Gustave Eiffel. These characters let loose with English obscenities in this captivating adventure, with stars like Charlie Cox (Daredevil) and Jennifer Hale (Baldur's Gate 3) lending their voices.
Guillaume Broche, president and creative director of Montpellier-based studio Sandfall Interactive, explains to Le Monde, "Our artistic vision has French roots embedded in every aspect of the game - it's part of our identity." Apparently, the idea wasn't originally intended; an old video from 2021 reveals a French-less universe.
This dark fantasy world game, with its release in 2025, has drawn attention for its immersive storytelling and themes based on the Belle Époque era of French history - a fit for a chilling, moody adventure. While the precise point when the concept of French origins was incorporated isn't precisely documented, it's evident that the game's setting is the crowning glory of the studio's creative endeavor.
- The Eiffel Tower in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, despite being distorted, carries a historical nod to Gustave Eiffel.
- Guillaume Broche, as both president and creative director of Sandfall Interactive, reveals the French roots of their game, Clair Obscur, are deeply embedded in its every aspect.
- Movies-and-TV stars like Charlie Cox and Jennifer Hale lend their voices to characters in the immersive French-inspired adventure game, Clair Obscur.
- In this dark fantasy World of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, set in the Belle Époque era, the studio Sandfall Interactive has showcased their creative efforts, with Lumière, the game's setting, as the crowning glory.









































