Game Pass's Biggest 2025 Hit: Are You Playing It?

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially become the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass for 2025.
• The record is based on the highest number of unique players within the first 30 days of release.
• Its developer, Sandfall Interactive, credits Game Pass for attracting a massive, diverse audience that might have otherwise skipped a turn-based RPG.
• The game blends classic JRPG mechanics with real-time combat actions in a unique fantasy world inspired by Belle Époque France.

Fresh off a victorious run at the Golden Joysticks and with high expectations for The Game Awards, Sandfall Interactive's debut RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has achieved a monumental milestone. Xbox has announced that the title is officially the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025, a record set by the sheer number of unique players who joined the adventure in its first 30 days.

A Record-Breaking Debut

The success has been a whirlwind for the new studio. "This year has been so far beyond what any of us could have imagined, and it’s down to how passionate and supportive our fans have been to make that a reality," said Guillaume Broche, creative director at Sandfall Interactive. He acknowledged the immense pressure of launching a new game, stating, "the support of everyone has really made everything feel like a dream.”

This success wasn't accidental. Xbox identified the game's potential early on. Guy Richards, Director of ID@Xbox, explained their decision to back the project heavily: "From the start, Sandfall’s ambition was clear and we really felt they wanted to create something truly special... we experienced their gripping story, stunning visuals and the mix of JRPG mechanics with French cultural themes that felt fresh and distinctive."

The Game Pass Effect

The role of Xbox Game Pass was crucial in catapulting Expedition 33 to the top. Broche highlighted how the service was instrumental in reaching players who might typically shy away from its genre.

"Game Pass lowered that barrier of entry," he explained. "The turn-based RPG genre has a lot of fans but sometimes it might put people who prefer more real-time action games off… a lot of curious players could start the game, explore Lumière and the early game, and realize there’s a lot to enjoy here, even if they weren’t expecting it at first.”

Xbox’s support began long before launch, with a prominent feature in the Summer 2024 showcase and a dedicated segment in the January Developer_Direct video.

What is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

The game is set in a whimsical yet dark world where a mysterious entity known as the Paintress erases the city's eldest citizens every year. Players lead the doomed "Expedition 33" on a final, desperate mission to end her cycle of death. The story has captured global attention for its memorable characters and its savvy evolution of turn-based combat, which incorporates real-time actions like dodging, parrying, and countering to create a more immersive experience.

A Model for the Future

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands as a shining example of the Game Pass mission: empowering developers of all sizes to connect with a massive global audience while offering incredible value to players. As Xbox continues to bring more innovative day-one launches to the service, the success of this breakout hit proves the model is a win for everyone.

If you haven't joined the phenomenon yet, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.