“We committed fully to it”
- by Fraser Gilbert
Recent discussions have centered around the rising costs of AAA titles, especially as major publishers are increasingly setting new price points. Notably, some first-party Xbox titles are expected to see their prices climb to $79.99 in the near future. This trend appears poised to become standard across the industry, with blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto VI potentially exceeding $80 upon release. However, smaller developers are exploring alternative pricing strategies, as exemplified by the case of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Despite being one of the most acclaimed games of 2025 and frequently mentioned in Game of the Year conversations, Expedition 33 remains priced at just £41.74 / $49.99. Its developer argues that maintaining a lower price point for AAA-quality games offers smaller studios a viable path to releasing titles that are more modest in scope but still deliver high entertainment value.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Kepler Interactive’s Portfolio Director, Matthew Handrahan, shared insights on this approach:
“As AAA game prices increase, it opens up opportunities for smaller, more focused projects to be launched at the $40-50 range.”
Handrahan explained that initially, there was some pushback from players who believed a lower price might reflect inferior quality. Nonetheless, the studio chose to stand firm, clarifying that Expedition 33 was not intended to be a traditional AAA experience, but rather a carefully crafted, shorter adventure.
François Meurisse, COO and producer at Sandfall Interactive, added his perspective:
“Ultimately, it’s a mutually beneficial situation. Lower pricing attracts a broader audience, enhances player satisfaction, and can even boost sales. Over time, this might shift consumer perceptions about what constitutes a fair price for quality gaming.”
A key theme discussed was the importance of “reasonable scope.” Both developers emphasized that Expedition 33 was designed to be an intense, concise experience without unnecessary filler. When working on future projects, they plan to avoid inflating budgets just for the sake of it, focusing instead on delivering engaging content within a manageable scope.
This demonstrates that a lower price point can be compatible with high-quality gaming, provided the scope is clearly communicated to players upfront. Ultimately, the success of Expedition 33 underscores that compelling, well-crafted games don’t need to break the bank-it’s all about strategic planning and transparent expectations.
What are your thoughts on Expedition 33’s pricing strategy? Do you believe it’s a smart move for smaller studios? Share your opinions below.
[Source: GamesIndustry.biz]
Fraser Gilbert serves as the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he covers the latest developments in the Xbox universe and beyond.
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