According to a New York Times report, the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was produced on a surprisingly modest budget of under $10 million. Despite its limited funding, the game has gone on to become a generational hit, earning multiple awards at The Game Awards 2025, including Game of the Year and Best Narrative.

The development team managed to leverage creative design, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a striking art style to deliver a title that rivals much higher-budget productions. Sources say the studio focused heavily on storytelling, environmental design, and efficient use of resources to maximize impact without inflating costs.

This revelation highlights the growing trend of smaller studios achieving massive critical and commercial success through smart development strategies and strong creative vision. For fans and industry watchers alike, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 serves as a case study in how high-quality, award-winning games don’t necessarily require blockbuster budgets.