Sandfall Interactive's Innovative Development Approach in *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*

Sandfall Interactive, a studio with fewer than 40 employees, has gained significant attention for its development of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. The game has been notably produced with a remarkable reliance on Unreal Engine’s Blueprints system, with 95% of the game constructed using this visual scripting tool. This approach has sparked discussions within the gaming community regarding the efficiency and collaborative potential of using Blueprints over traditional coding methods.

Blueprints Compose 95% of Expedition 33Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is '95 percent' made with Blueprints

Unreal Engine's Blueprints system allows developers to create game logic by connecting nodes, which reduces the need for extensive C++ coding. This efficiency enabled Sandfall's programmers to delegate tasks to designers and artists, fostering a collaborative environment that streamlined content production. Tom Guillermin, Sandfall's chief technical officer, emphasized a "vanilla-first" approach, utilizing existing tools and plugins such as CommonUI, GeometryScripting, Advanced Locomotion System (ALS), and KawaiiPhysics, rather than developing bespoke solutions.

Blueprints Compose 95% of Expedition 33Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is '95 percent' made with Blueprints

The development strategy employed by Sandfall has generated mixed reactions among industry professionals. While some developers expressed admiration for the studio's ability to achieve high-quality results with out-of-the-box tools, others raised concerns about the scalability of this method for larger teams. A common issue highlighted is that Blueprints can only be modified by one programmer at a time, which can lead to delays in bug fixes and updates. This limitation may hinder larger studios that typically require more complex workflows.

Blueprints Compose 95% of Expedition 33

Despite the success of *Expedition 33*, there are apprehensions regarding the reliance on visual scripting tools. Critics argue that such an approach could lead to vulnerabilities, particularly in light of recent industry challenges, such as the Unity Runtime debacle of 2023. Some developers worry about the implications of adopting a workflow that may not align with their specific project needs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in development methodologies.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is '95 percent' made with Blueprints

While Sandfall's experience should not be viewed as a definitive guide for game development, it serves as a reference point for aspiring developers. The success of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* illustrates that innovative approaches can yield impressive results when combined with effective collaboration among team members. As the gaming landscape evolves, developers are encouraged to explore diverse workflows that best suit their projects, balancing creativity with technical efficiency.

Blueprints Compose 95% of Expedition 33

• “This is not meant to be a tutorial or like a how-to guide on how to make games,” — Tom Guillermin, Chief Technical Officer, Sandfall Interactive

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is '95 percent' made with Blueprints

• “We take all the tools that are natively present and we push them to their to their limits so we don't have to develop bespoke tools for the features and content of the of the game,” — Tom Guillermin, Chief Technical Officer, Sandfall Interactive

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is '95 percent' made with Blueprints

• “You can get excellent results with out-of-the-box tools if you know what you're doing!” — Joe Wintergreen, Developer

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is '95 percent' made with Blueprints

In summary, Sandfall Interactive's approach to developing *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* exemplifies a shift in game design methodologies, highlighting the potential of visual scripting tools while also prompting critical discussions about their limitations and applicability in various development contexts.

Blueprints Compose 95% of Expedition 33