Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is the Biggest New Third-Party Game Launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025

Xbox Wire
Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become the largest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, based on unique users in its first 30 days. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the RPG has garnered acclaim for its gripping story and unique blend of JRPG mechanics with French cultural themes. Xbox's support helped the game reach a wider audience, allowing players to try it easily through Game Pass. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud.

2025-12-03 | GameSpot: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Breaks Game Pass Records

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has set a record as the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, according to Microsoft. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the game launched alongside Oblivion Remastered in April. Creative director Guillaume Broche noted that Game Pass helped attract players who might not typically try turn-based RPGs. Expedition 33 is currently available on Game Pass and is nominated for 12 awards at The Game Awards, including Game of the Year.

2025-12-03 | Eurogamer: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is Xbox Game Pass's biggest third-party success in 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, with over 5 million copies sold across all platforms within a month. Game director Guillaume Broche credited Game Pass for expanding the game's audience, allowing players to try the turn-based RPG without commitment. Despite competition from The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, the game thrived. An update is planned, promising new content.

2025-12-03 | Pure Xbox: Xbox Crowns Its Biggest Third-Party Game Pass Launch Of 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been named the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass for 2025, based on unique user numbers in its first 30 days. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the RPG has garnered significant attention, winning Game of the Year at the Golden Joysticks and potentially at The Game Awards. Creative director Guillaume Broche noted that Game Pass made the game more accessible to players who might prefer real-time action games, encouraging them to try it.

2025-12-03 | Insider Gaming: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sets Record as 2025’s Best Third-Party Xbox Game Pass Release

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been recognized as the best third-party title on Xbox Game Pass for 2025, according to Microsoft. The game's success is attributed to its high number of unique players in the first 30 days post-launch. Sandfall Interactive's creative director, Guillaume Broche, expressed gratitude for the support from Xbox and Game Pass, which helped attract new players to the turn-based RPG. The game is nominated for multiple awards at The Game Awards, including Game of the Year.

2025-12-03 | GamesRadar+: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead says Xbox Game Pass "lowered that barrier of entry" for his turn-based RPG, a genre that "might put people who prefer more real-time action games off"

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's creative director, Guillaume Broche, credits Xbox Game Pass for lowering the entry barrier for players hesitant about turn-based RPGs. The game became 2025's biggest new third-party launch on Game Pass, allowing many to try it who might not have otherwise. The title has received numerous accolades, including seven awards at the Golden Joystick Awards and multiple nominations for The Game Awards, with results expected on December 11.

2025-12-03 | IGN: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wasn't Just An Enormous Sales Success, It Was Also The Biggest New Third-Party Launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, Despite Launching Two Days After The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become the biggest new third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, according to Microsoft. Launched just two days after The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, the game has sold 5 million copies in five months. Sandfall Interactive's creative director noted that Game Pass helped lower the barrier for players to try the turn-based RPG, leading to its success. The game is still available on Xbox Game Pass.

2025-12-03 | Metro: Try and guess 2025’s biggest third party game on Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft has announced that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the biggest third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass for 2025, based on unique users in its first 30 days. The game's creative director credited Game Pass for broadening its audience, allowing players to explore the turn-based RPG genre. Clair Obscur is also nominated for 12 awards at The Game Awards, including Game of the Year, surpassing nominations for titles like The Last of Us Part 2.

2025-12-04 | VGC: Clair Obscur director says putting it on Game Pass ‘lowered the barrier of entry’ and helped to reach a wider audience

Creative director Guillaume Broche of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 credited Xbox Game Pass for expanding the game's audience by lowering the barrier to entry for players unfamiliar with turn-based RPGs. He expressed gratitude for fan support since the game's April release and noted its record 12 nominations at The Game Awards, along with six wins at the Golden Joystick Awards, including Ultimate Game of the Year.

2025-12-04 | GamesIndustry.biz: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 becomes 2025's top third-party release on Xbox Game Pass

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become the top third-party release on Xbox Game Pass for 2025, based on unique user numbers in its first 30 days. Sandfall Interactive's creative director credited Xbox's support and Game Pass for expanding the game's reach. The RPG has sold five million units globally as of October 8 and was nominated for 12 awards at The Game Awards, winning six at the Golden Joystick Awards, where Sandfall was named Studio of the Year.