If you enjoy independent indie game coverage, consider supporting Indie-Games.eu on Patreon. It helps keep the site independent.
After winning big at the Golden Joysticks and becoming a major contender for The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the first RPG from Sandfall Interactive, has reached huge success on Microsoft’s subscription service. Microsoft has announced that it is the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025, based on how many unique players tried it in its first 30 days.
The development team has clearly felt the strong support. Creative Director Guillaume Broche shared his thanks, saying the year has been far beyond anything the studio expected. He explained that releasing a first game as a brand-new studio was scary, but the passion and support from fans made it feel like a dream.
After trying early versions of the game, the Xbox team was impressed by its emotional story, beautiful visuals, and its mix of JRPG-style systems with French cultural themes. Guy Richards, Director at ID@Xbox, said it was the kind of game they knew Xbox players would be excited to discover.
A major part of the game’s success came from launching on Game Pass on Day One. Broche said the service allowed the game to reach a much bigger audience, letting many people try it who might not have played it otherwise.
He also explained that while turn-based RPGs have loyal fans, some players prefer real-time action and might avoid the genre. Game Pass removed that barrier by letting players try it without risk. Many curious players tested the game, explored Lumière and the early chapters, and discovered there was much more to enjoy than they expected.
Xbox described Expedition 33 as a perfect example of the creative, varied experiences that Game Pass aims to support, helping teams of all sizes reach players worldwide. The game is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC via Steam, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and it supports Xbox Play Anywhere for Game Pass Ultimate members.
Cresata, formerly known as Revenant's Reach, has secured a publishing deal with Rocket Panda Games and acttil, targeting a 2027…
Awaken Realms and Fardust's upcoming dark fantasy RPG Shards of Order replaces traditional combat systems with a unique mechanic built…
Indie developer Maracas Studio has announced that Cat Mail Co. will officially launch on Steam this July, following a strong…
AstralShift has confirmed that Hell Maiden will enter Steam Early Access this July, letting players explore its reimagined take on…
![[OPINION] The Steam Machine Is Finally Here, But Who Is It Really For?](https://www.indie-games.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Steam-Machine-Opinion-300x169.jpg)
The Steam Machine starts at over €1,000, making it more expensive than current consoles while delivering performance that doesn't always…
Fans of gothic action games may want to keep a close eye on Bathory: Heritage of Blood, which takes clear…
Players follow detective Dick Slater and his rookie partner Robbie Knox as they investigate a brutal serial killer known only…
Developed by SLAM AWAY GAMES, first-person horror shooter Gutted: Infested Crypts throws you into a cemetery hiding something far worse…
Developed by DigiTales Interactive, detective adventure From Ruins drops you into a world still dealing with the aftermath of an…
Most post-apocalyptic games focus on humanity struggling to survive after civilization collapses. Supreme Experiment takes a different approach.
Developed by Zuko Studios, cozy adventure No Wings Required follows a flightless duck arriving on the Featherfall Islands as the…
The Mortal Shell II open beta has surpassed 500,000 Steam downloads, highlighting strong interest in the upcoming soulslike sequel.
Here is a list of the most interesting demos from June's Steam Next Fest.
The Hunters Gonna Hunt update (version 0.10) is now live in Windblown Early Access, introducing a revamped system for earning…
Running a newspaper sounds simple until politicians start calling, your reporters submit terrible articles, and your readers begin losing trust.
After months of speculation, Valve has finally revealed how much its new Steam Machine will cost, and not everyone is…
![[OPINION] Halo: Campaign Evolved New Co-Op Rules Sound Like a Joke, But They’re Real](https://www.indie-games.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Halo-Campaign-Evolve-Opinion-300x169.jpg)
Halo: Campaign Evolved revives split-screen co-op, but PS5 players need PS Plus and Microsoft accounts, raising concerns over anti-consumer restrictions.
Touhou Gaiden is gaining attention with its fast-paced action, challenging combat, and faithful adaptation of the beloved Touhou universe.
Retro and action platformer Wicked Boy feel like a game that could have been discovered in a forgotten Game Boy…
Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami believes game livestreams boost sales and encourage players to experience games firsthand.
Cresata, formerly known as Revenant's Reach, has secured a publishing deal with Rocket Panda Games and acttil, targeting a 2027…
Awaken Realms and Fardust's upcoming dark fantasy RPG Shards of Order replaces traditional combat systems with a unique mechanic built…
Indie developer Maracas Studio has announced that Cat Mail Co. will officially launch on Steam this July, following a strong…
AstralShift has confirmed that Hell Maiden will enter Steam Early Access this July, letting players explore its reimagined take on…
The Steam Machine starts at over €1,000, making it more expensive than current consoles while delivering performance that doesn't always…
Fans of gothic action games may want to keep a close eye on Bathory: Heritage of Blood, which takes clear…
Players follow detective Dick Slater and his rookie partner Robbie Knox as they investigate a brutal serial killer known only…
Developed by SLAM AWAY GAMES, first-person horror shooter Gutted: Infested Crypts throws you into a cemetery hiding something far worse…
Developed by DigiTales Interactive, detective adventure From Ruins drops you into a world still dealing with the aftermath of an…
Most post-apocalyptic games focus on humanity struggling to survive after civilization collapses. Supreme Experiment takes a different approach.
Developed by Zuko Studios, cozy adventure No Wings Required follows a flightless duck arriving on the Featherfall Islands as the…
The Mortal Shell II open beta has surpassed 500,000 Steam downloads, highlighting strong interest in the upcoming soulslike sequel.
Here is a list of the most interesting demos from June's Steam Next Fest.
The Hunters Gonna Hunt update (version 0.10) is now live in Windblown Early Access, introducing a revamped system for earning…
Running a newspaper sounds simple until politicians start calling, your reporters submit terrible articles, and your readers begin losing trust.
After months of speculation, Valve has finally revealed how much its new Steam Machine will cost, and not everyone is…
Halo: Campaign Evolved revives split-screen co-op, but PS5 players need PS Plus and Microsoft accounts, raising concerns over anti-consumer restrictions.
Touhou Gaiden is gaining attention with its fast-paced action, challenging combat, and faithful adaptation of the beloved Touhou universe.
Retro and action platformer Wicked Boy feel like a game that could have been discovered in a forgotten Game Boy…
Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami believes game livestreams boost sales and encourage players to experience games firsthand.
