“It’s My Favorite Game”: Clair Obscur Praised by One of Japan’s Most Influential Game Designers
When the creators of a French RPG captivate the genre’s masters in the heart of Tokyo, the result is nothing short of surreal. An intimate dinner, passionate conversations… and an unexpected declaration from a legendary figure in the JRPG world.
As Clair Obscur continues its meteoric rise among the modern JRPG greats, the developers at Sandfall Interactive recently experienced a moment frozen in time in Tokyo. Welcomed by Square Enix and other industry icons, they left not just with memories, but with a level of recognition that few Western creators ever receive in this highly exclusive circle.
Image credit: Sandfall Interactive
A Dinner, A Compliment, A Crowning Moment
It’s no longer a secret: the team from Sandfall Interactive was recently invited to Square Enix’s headquarters in Tokyo. What began as a formal exchange of creative ideas between the teams behind Clair Obscur and Final Fantasy quickly evolved into something far more personal… and historic.
At an informal dinner gathering several notable industry figures, Ryosuke Yoshida — director of Visions of Mana and former key contributor to the Devil May Cry series — stunned everyone in attendance. On his X account, he shared a photo from the evening, along with a comment that sent shockwaves through the RPG world:
“I enjoyed dinner with everyone at Studio Sandfall, who made my favorite game”
I enjoyed dinner with everyone at Studio Sandfall, who made my favorite game, "EXPEDITION33." Guillaume Broche, Francois Meurisse, Tom Guillermin, and Alexis Garavaryan from Kepler, and my boss, Hamaguchi-san. Thank you for the wonderful time!… pic.twitter.com/RrY0iogoOc — Ryosuke Yoshida (@YoshidaBeer) July 24, 2025
Yes, you read that right: the man behind Devil May Cry 5 and Visions of Mana just declared a French game to be his 2025 game of the year. In a video game world traditionally dominated by the US and Japan, this kind of praise from the Land of the Rising Sun is nothing short of monumental.
And it’s not the first time a gaming legend has praised Clair Obscur. Let’s not forget that Neil Druckmann, creator of The Last of Us, also applauded Sandfall Interactive’s work, calling their game “one of the most creative and emotionally powerful stories in recent years.”
A Growing Global Presence
In just a few months, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has gone from a bold promise to a modern RPG icon. With its neo-symbolist art direction, hybrid combat system, and gripping narrative, the French game continues to win over an ever-growing audience. To the point where Hollywood is already planning a film adaptation.
This international spotlight is no coincidence. It signals a deeper shift within the industry — the rise of new creative hubs capable of standing toe-to-toe with long-established giants. And while Tokyo remains the heart of the JRPG, Paris might just become its poetic, modern echo.
A French-Japanese Collaboration on the Horizon?
While nothing has been officially announced yet, these recent encounters hint at many exciting possibilities. Internally, some at Square Enix are reportedly open to revisiting the classic turn-based combat system — something long requested by fans.
What if Final Fantasy XVII were to adopt mechanics or inspirations from Clair Obscur? Or what if Sandfall’s writers temporarily joined the team working on Final Fantasy VII Remake Part III?
Still haven’t discovered Clair Obscur? It’s never too late to dive into a world that’s captivated some of the biggest names in the industry. Watch the trailer below and join the expedition!
