During the Showcase event of the Summer Game Fest, host and moderator Geoff Keighley talked about how some small teams have recently released impressive games. While this is true, his choice of words caused some developers to feel displeased.
What did Geoff Keighley say? The creative and moderating mind behind the Summer Game Fest and the Game Awards explained at the current showcase that the gaming year 2025 is characterized by surprising successes of smaller game projects.
As a crowning example, he mentioned the fantastic Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which he stated would be a “monumental achievement” by “a team of less than 30 developers.” However, this is not entirely accurate. Between 10 and almost 40 developers are said to have been part of the core team during production (via X).
In addition, there are also numerous external contributors like animators, testers, and musicians. In total, about 80 creative minds are thought to have contributed to the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Those who play Clair Obscur feel empty… for reasons:
A Dangerous Myth
What is the problem? Nowadays, almost no game appears without the extensive work of external staff and partners. Nonetheless, their contribution to development is often overlooked. Mike Bithell, Game Director and founder of Bithell Games, explains on bsky.app:
It’s incredibly noticeable how often ‘and an army of outsourcers outside America and Western Europe’ is left out of these team sizes. That’s the part I find real uncomfortable.
Developer Localthunk, who you might know from their hit Balatro, knows this all too well (via bsky.app): “People and media often say Balatro was made by ‘one guy’. I feel like that unfortunately may be stoking the flames of this David vs. Goliath narrative a tiny bit No it was not ‘one guy’, look at the dang in-game credits.”
In addition, Geoff Keighley also claims that Schedule 1 was supposedly made by a solo developer. However, the credits actually list two other artists who took care of the visual style and music.
Games Licensing Producer and Consultant Mike Futter sums it up on bsky.app:
I was really uncomfortable with this as well. And not just because the math doesn’t math. One dev plus nine friends working with him is 10 people… not one. Expedition 33 is a triumph, but it wasn’t made by 30 people. Contractors provided vital labor. This is a dangerous path we’re walking.
What do you think: Should the work of external staff and partners be brought more into focus and considered? Or are you satisfied with the view of the core team and the discussion is excessive?
Let us know in the comments! Either way, the RPG by Sandfall Interactive is definitely worth a look if you have no allergy to turn-based combat. If you want to give it a try, you can find useful guides for getting started here: All builds, tips and guides for Clair Obscur Expedition 33 at a glance.
