"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Aimed to be Brief yet Intense, Producer Reveals"

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has generated considerable attention in the gaming world, and one of its standout features—highlighted in a recent interview—is its approach to game length when compared to today’s typical AAA titles.

In a new conversation with *GamesIndustry.biz*, key figures from Kepler Interactive, the publisher behind Clair Obscur developer Sandfall Interactive, discussed the unique appeal of Expedition 33 and its evolving role in the modern gaming landscape. One of the most notable distinctions, as pointed out by Kepler portfolio director Matthew Handrahan, is the game's relatively compact runtime.

“Brevity should be more of a virtue in gaming,” said Handrahan. “Something can be better by being shorter — a concept currently being debated in the film industry as well. Every movie seems to run two-and-a-half hours long, and many people are asking, 'Could they maybe be a bit shorter? We do have other things to do.'”

Sandfall’s COO and producer François Meurisse shared a similar sentiment with GI.biz, explaining that from the outset, the team aimed to create an experience that was both intense and concise.

“The initial estimates for the main quest were around 20 hours,” Meurisse explained. “Eventually, we landed closer to 30, even up to 40 hours if you take time to explore. As a player myself, there are so many incredible games out there that I want to experience. What matters most is the level of excitement and enjoyment I get—not necessarily how long the game is.”

According to current estimates from HowLongToBeat, a main story playthrough of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* averages around 27 hours. For those who dive into side content, the total rises to approximately 41 hours, while a completionist route clocks in at around 61.5 hours. While this may exceed the runtime of many indie titles, it still falls significantly short of the bloated hour counts seen in some major AAA releases or sprawling RPGs.

As Handrahan noted, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* “really respects the player's time.” He emphasized that the game avoids unnecessary bloat—those filler elements often added just to inflate the game’s size. For Meurisse, the question remains whether game length is a true indicator of value.

“The value players receive from games doesn’t always correlate with their length,” Meurisse stated. “One of my all-time favorite games is *Inside*, which lasts about two hours, yet it's one of the most polished, intense experiences I’ve had—even life-changing for some.”

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In IGN’s 9/10 review of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, the reviewer also highlighted the game’s pacing: “I completed the main story along with a fair amount of side content in about 35 hours, and that duration really showcases how *Clair Obscur* makes every moment count—there’s no filler on the critical path, and it never gets bogged down in lengthy exposition.”

There are multiple aspects that distinguish *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* from the typical blockbuster release—many of which reflect broader shifts occurring within the gaming industry. You can explore these insights further in the full interview over at *GI.biz*. But one thing is clear: *Clair Obscur* has set a compelling example for delivering impactful, large-scale gameplay without unnecessary bloat.