Sandfall repudiates hate speech involving Expedition 33

A Sandfall Interactive needed to take a public stance after its game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was involved in negative discussions on social media. In a statement released this week, the French studio stated that they "became aware of online discussions" that questioned the team's values and the RPG's content. The statement sought to put an end to the rumors once and for all.

"Expedition 33 was created with respect and tolerance by teams and partners from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives," wrote the team. The studio also emphasized: "Our game was made with love. Please do not use it to spread hate."

The statement came after distorted interpretations of the messages and themes present in the game emerged. Some users were trying to associate the narrative and characters of the work with extreme ideological views, which prompted reactions from the community and forced the developers to take a stand.

The reception to the statement, in turn, was mostly positive. Players commented in support of the studio: "Thank you for making an incredible piece of art," said one. Another wrote, "I cannot recommend this game enough. It is a masterpiece." There were also those who pointed out that any nationalist or prejudiced reading of the plot would be a complete misinterpretation. "Anyone who thought nationalism or intolerance was the point of the game ignored all the conversations in Lumière and uninstalled the game before even finishing," said a player, concluding with a direct message to the team: "Love you."

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an action RPG released in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, developed with the Unreal Engine 5. The title was well received by critics and audiences for its artistic style inspired by classic paintings, turn-based combat with influence from modern tactical systems, and a narrative focused on themes such as identity, sacrifice, and cultural renewal.

This interaction between the studio and fans marks a rare moment of cohesion in a landscape where new games often become targets of toxic online debates. Sandfall Interactive, founded in Montpellier, France, has been standing out for its original productions and clear stances on inclusion and diversity within the industry.