When the new role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive was not only awarded Game of the Year at the 2025 Game Awards, but also recognized as Best Indie Game, many discussed: Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really still an indie? One of the developers is now commenting on this.
What does the developer say? Nicholas Maxson-Francombe is the Art Director at Sandfall Interactive and has shaped the visual style of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with his work. It is also thanks to him that the role-playing game was able to win a record number of awards at the Game Awards.
These include: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score & Music, Best RPG, Best Performance (Jennifer English), Best Independent Game, and Best Debut Indie Game.
In an interview in the latest issue of Edge, he expresses whether the role-playing game can still be considered an indie project despite the support of a publisher, or if other games that are more clearly identifiable as indie should have won in the indie categories.
We feel like an independent company, but we get a lot of support from [Publisher] Kepler, much more than other indie games. It definitely feels like those games deserve it more, especially since we are nominated in so many categories. But at heart, we are indie.
We developed the game with an indie spirit, with a small team, with great creative freedom, and without a parent company or even a publisher giving us directions. We also consciously chose a publisher that has a true indie mentality and prioritizes creativity.
Nicholas Maxson-Francombe in an interview with Edge (via gamesradar.com)
Indie or not Indie – the old discussion?
Is there a definition for indie? None that is universally applicable and recognized. The term indie (i.e., independent) primarily implies independence. But what does this refer to? To the creative process of development? To funding? To support with PR and marketing? Is one only indie if they do everything independently?
This could also apply to very large companies that own their own publishing, PR, and development departments. Some define the indie concept primarily based on the size of a developer. A team of 4 people? Indie! A team of 100 people? Not indie! Easy! But at what number is the line drawn? Is 10 just right or already too much?
In short: The definition of indie is still so vague after all these years that it can lead to wonderful discussions. But regardless of whether Clair Obscur comes from an indie studio or not: It is a fantastic game. Just like some other RPGs from last year: 2025 should go down in history as one of the best years for role-playing games.
