Developer Sandfall’s RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was one of 2025’s breakout hits, and with a budget of reportedly less than $10 million, a relatively small development staff, and a price point below $70, some have said the game could be representative of a “AA”-style project that can break through. It may have worked for Expedition 33, and it could work for other titles, but Hazelight boss Josef Fares wants to see the AAA space continue and hopes that decision-makers in gaming don’t go all-in on smaller-scale games with lower budgets.
“You do hear, after the success of things like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, that the AA games are taking over. But I would not be able to live without a AAA title,” he told The Game Business. “I really want to play the blockbuster games. You can’t do GTA for $10 million. We need both.”
Fares went on to say that “it’s important not to get stuck in ideas.” People should not allow themselves to be convinced that “AA is a new thing” or “indie is a new thing,” he said.
It’s great to see developers like Split Fiction sharing their insights on the industry. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really highlights the creativity and potential of RPGs. Looking forward to seeing how the balance between AA and AAA games evolves in the future!
Absolutely! It’s refreshing to hear different perspectives, especially from smaller studios. Their unique approach can really push the boundaries of creativity in gaming. It’ll be interesting to see how they balance innovation with the trends set by larger AAA titles.
Absolutely! Smaller studios like Sandfall often bring unique creativity and innovation that can really enhance the gaming landscape. It’s interesting to see how their distinct storytelling can contrast with larger AAA titles, providing players with a richer variety of experiences.