Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 employs turn-based combat mechanics, yet Sandfall Interactive has been cautious about how it markets the system. Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida reportedly advised the studio against branding the game as a turn-based RPG, concerned that the label itself could deter potential players from engaging with it. The underlying tension reflects a perception problem within the industry: turn-based combat can carry baggage that makes games seem slower or less immediately appealing to modern audiences, despite Clair Obscur's footage demonstrating combat designed to feel dynamic and engaging within that framework.
- Yoshida's guidance highlights industry skepticism about turn-based combat as a marketing tool, even when executed in visually exciting ways.
- The game's developers face a labeling challenge: being technically accurate about mechanics versus using language that doesn't alienate players.
- Marketing terminology can influence purchasing decisions regardless of actual game design quality or gameplay experience.
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Eurogamer
· Aug 18, 08:29 UTC
Shuhei Yoshida told Expedition 33 studio to avoid terms like 'turn-based RPG' because it may cause people to "overlook" the game
One of the reasons Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stood out so much in early footage was how action-packed its combat looked, despite being a turn-based RPG. But while developer Sandfall Interactive has described the game as a turn-based RPG -…
IGN
· Aug 17, 18:56 UTC
'It's Incredibly Well-Made, But…' — Former PlayStation Boss Warned Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Devs It Would Be 'Overlooked' if They Called It a Turn-Based RPG
Former PlayStation lead Shuhei Yoshida warned the developers behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 about calling it a "turn-based RPG" because "that alone might cause players to overlook it.
GamesRadar+
· Aug 17, 16:19 UTC
Ex PlayStation boss told Clair Obscur Expedition 33 devs not to call it a turn-based RPG: "That alone might cause players to overlook it"
Yeah, right