Ubisoft Devs Stir Controversy by Labeling Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as Overhyped and Overrated

The gaming industry thrives on hype, but sometimes that excitement sparks unexpected backlash. Recently, a group of Ubisoft developers made waves by publicly dismissing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a highly anticipated RPG from Sandfall Interactive, as “overhyped and overrated.” Their bold claim—that the game “brings nothing new to the gaming world”—has ignited heated debates across forums, social media, and gaming communities in 2025. As Clair Obscur garners praise for its stunning visuals and innovative mechanics, why are some industry insiders so skeptical? Let’s dive into the controversy, explore the game’s reception, and uncover what this clash reveals about the state of gaming innovation today.

What Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

To set the stage, let’s first examine Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a debut title from French indie studio Sandfall Interactive, released in mid-2025. The game is a turn-based RPG set in a surreal, painterly world inspired by French art nouveau and Japanese anime aesthetics. Players control the members of Expedition 33, a group of adventurers awakening once every 33 years to battle a mysterious entity known as the Monolith. The game blends real-time and turn-based combat, with a unique “play-by-play” system that allows players to chain actions dynamically. Its narrative, steeped in themes of memory, sacrifice, and cyclical time, has drawn comparisons to Final Fantasy and Persona.

Since its reveal at a major gaming showcase in 2024, Clair Obscur has been a darling of the indie scene. Its trailers, showcasing breathtaking visuals and a haunting soundtrack, generated massive buzz, with fans and critics alike hailing it as a potential game-changer for the RPG genre. By 2025, the game’s release was met with strong reviews, praising its art direction, emotional storytelling, and innovative combat. So, why are Ubisoft developers raining on this parade?

The Ubisoft Devs’ Critique: A Lack of Innovation?

The controversy began when several Ubisoft developers, speaking anonymously on platforms like X and industry forums, expressed their skepticism about Clair Obscur’s hype. Their core argument: the game, while polished, doesn’t break new ground. According to these devs, the combat system, while unique in execution, borrows heavily from existing RPG mechanics, blending elements of Final Fantasy’s Active Time Battle and Persona’s turn-based strategy. They also argued that the narrative, though emotionally resonant, treads familiar themes of loss and redemption, lacking the boldness to redefine storytelling in games. In their view, the game’s stellar reception is driven more by its aesthetic appeal than by any groundbreaking contributions to the medium.

This critique has sparked a polarized response. Supporters of Clair Obscur argue that innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel—sometimes, it’s about refining and combining existing ideas in fresh ways. Critics, however, align with the Ubisoft devs, questioning whether the game’s hype is justified or simply a product of savvy marketing and a visually striking trailer.

Breaking Down the Game’s Strengths

To evaluate the Ubisoft devs’ claims, let’s look at Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s key features. The game’s art style is undeniably its standout element. Drawing inspiration from the flowing lines of art nouveau and the vibrant palettes of Studio Ghibli, the world feels like a living painting. Environments, from crumbling ruins to ethereal forests, are meticulously crafted, creating a sense of immersion that rivals AAA titles. This visual splendor has resonated with players, particularly in an era where indie games are increasingly competing with big-budget productions.

The combat system is another highlight. The “play-by-play” mechanic allows players to seamlessly switch between real-time dodging and turn-based attacks, creating a rhythmic flow that feels both strategic and dynamic. For example, players can chain a dodge into a counterattack, then queue up a team combo, all while managing a resource called “Clairvoyance” that powers special moves. This system has been praised for its accessibility and depth, appealing to both casual players and RPG veterans.

The narrative, centered on the cyclical awakenings of Expedition 33, is deeply emotional, with character-driven moments that linger long after the credits roll. Each member of the party has a distinct backstory, revealed through flashbacks and dialogue, creating a sense of camaraderie akin to Mass Effect’s squad dynamics. While the themes of sacrifice and memory aren’t new, their execution—paired with voice acting and a haunting score—has struck a chord with players.

Why the Backlash? Industry Dynamics and Expectations

The Ubisoft devs’ criticism can’t be viewed in isolation; it reflects broader dynamics within the gaming industry. Ubisoft, known for franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has faced its own share of scrutiny in recent years for producing formulaic open-world games. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024) have been criticized for repetitive mission designs, despite their technical polish. Some speculate that the devs’ comments about Clair Obscur stem from frustration or defensiveness, as their own projects face similar accusations of lacking innovation.

Moreover, the gaming industry in 2025 is at a crossroads. With AAA budgets ballooning and player expectations soaring, there’s immense pressure to deliver groundbreaking experiences. Indie studios like Sandfall Interactive, unburdened by corporate mandates, often have more freedom to experiment, which can lead to resentment from developers at larger studios. The Ubisoft devs’ claim that Clair Obscur “brings nothing new” may reflect a broader anxiety about the industry’s ability to innovate in an era dominated by sequels, remasters, and safe bets.

Community Reaction: A Divided Fandom

The gaming community’s response to the controversy has been predictably passionate. On platforms like X, fans of Clair Obscur have rallied to its defense, sharing screenshots of its stunning visuals and clips of its combat to counter claims of overhyping. Many argue that the game’s strength lies in its execution—taking familiar RPG elements and polishing them to near-perfection. For these players, innovation isn’t about inventing entirely new mechanics but about creating a cohesive, memorable experience.

On the other hand, some gamers echo the Ubisoft devs’ skepticism. They point out that Clair Obscur’s combat, while engaging, doesn’t feel as revolutionary as, say, Hades’s blend of roguelike and action or Disco Elysium’s dialogue-driven RPG mechanics. These players acknowledge the game’s beauty but question whether it deserves the “game of the year” buzz it’s received. The debate has even spilled into streaming circles, with content creators weighing in through let’s-plays and analysis videos, further amplifying the controversy.

The Role of Hype in Gaming

The Ubisoft devs’ comments also raise questions about the role of hype in gaming. Clair Obscur’s meteoric rise was fueled by carefully crafted trailers and a savvy marketing campaign that positioned it as a must-play indie gem. In an industry where first impressions are everything, Sandfall Interactive’s ability to generate excitement gave the game a head start. However, hype is a double-edged sword—what draws players in can also set unrealistic expectations, leading to accusations of being “overrated.”

This phenomenon isn’t unique to Clair Obscur. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) and No Man’s Sky (2016) faced similar backlash when their launches didn’t fully live up to the hype. For Clair Obscur, the Ubisoft devs’ critique may reflect a broader frustration with how hype can overshadow substance, particularly when a game is celebrated before players have fully digested its impact.

Innovation vs. Execution: A Balancing Act

At the heart of this controversy is a philosophical question: what constitutes innovation in gaming? The Ubisoft devs argue that Clair Obscur lacks originality, but innovation isn’t always about creating something entirely new. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) or Elden Ring (2022) succeeded not by inventing new genres but by refining and reimagining existing ones. Clair Obscur’s combat and art style, while inspired by predecessors, offer a fresh take that feels distinct within the RPG landscape.

Moreover, execution matters as much as originality. A game with groundbreaking ideas but poor polish will struggle, while a well-executed title with familiar mechanics can still captivate. Clair Obscur excels in the latter, delivering a cohesive experience that resonates emotionally and visually. The Ubisoft devs’ dismissal overlooks this, focusing solely on the absence of radical innovation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Clair Obscur and Ubisoft

For Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the controversy is unlikely to derail its success. Sandfall Interactive has already hinted at potential DLC or a sequel, building on the game’s world and mechanics. As an indie studio, their ability to compete with AAA giants like Ubisoft is a testament to their talent and vision. The backlash from Ubisoft devs may even work in their favor, generating more buzz and drawing curious players to see what the fuss is about.

For Ubisoft, the comments reflect a need for introspection. The studio’s recent struggles with repetitive game design and workplace controversies have put it under scrutiny. Publicly criticizing a smaller studio’s project, even anonymously, risks alienating fans and fueling perceptions of arrogance. Ubisoft’s next moves—whether it’s delivering a bold new IP or innovating within its existing franchises—will be closely watched.

Conclusion: A Clash of Perspectives

The Ubisoft devs’ claim that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is overhyped and overrated has sparked a fascinating debate about innovation, hype, and the value of execution in gaming. While Clair Obscur may not reinvent the RPG genre, its stunning visuals, engaging combat, and emotional storytelling have earned it a rightful place in 2025’s gaming spotlight. The criticism from Ubisoft devs, while provocative, overlooks the game’s strengths and reflects broader tensions within the industry. Whether you see Clair Obscur as a masterpiece or an overhyped gem, one thing’s certain: this controversy has everyone talking, and it’s a reminder of the passion that drives gaming forward.