Shuhei Yoshida told Expedition 33 studio to avoid terms like ‘turn-based RPG’ because it may cause people to “overlook” the game
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed at the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026 that he advised Sandfall Interactive to avoid labeling Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a "turn-based RPG." Yoshida, who consulted for publisher Kepler Interactive, warned that the traditional genre tag might cause players to overlook the title due to outdated perceptions. He praised the game’s combat, comparing it to The Legend of Dragoon, but urged the team to use more modern terminology. The developers adopted his suggestion, marketing the experience as featuring "reactive turn-based battles" instead. This strategic shift highlighted the game’s unique blend of real-time mechanics like parrying with traditional turn orders. The decision coincided with massive commercial success, as Expedition 33 sold 3.3 million copies in its first month and reached 5.5 million by October 2025. The title also garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards at The Game Awards and ranking highly on year-end lists, proving the effectiveness of rebranding its core gameplay loop to attract a broader audience.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The rebranding from "turn-based RPG" to "reactive turn-based battles" demonstrates how precise marketing language can overcome player bias against perceived stale genres.
- · This specific terminology shift directly facilitated the game's ability to attract audiences who might otherwise dismiss traditional tactical combat, proving that framing is as critical as mechanics in modern indie success.
