Sandfall Interactive has learned a valuable lesson in game development: the more tools you give players to fine-tune their builds, the sooner they will find a way to crack your game’s math wide open. In a recent YouTube interview with Pirate Software, the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shared their experience with players pushing the limits of their game.
The studio hosted an internal competition to see which developer could deal the most damage in a single attack during the game’s development. However, once Clair Obscur launched, players quickly surpassed the internal damage record set by the developers. Game director Guillaume Broche mentioned that the studio’s VFX artist, Léo Paris, became the center of attention as players engaged in a friendly rivalry with him on Twitter, constantly trying to outdo each other’s damage records.
The competition between players began on the game’s launch day, with user BltzZ11 posting a screenshot of an attack dealing 410.9 million damage. Paris, the current internal record holder, was quick to respond, hinting at even greater possibilities for damage output. The rivalry escalated as players like Schrodingersba4 and BltzZ11 pushed the boundaries further, eventually reaching staggering numbers like 1.1 billion and 3.4 billion damage attacks.
Despite the intense competition, players like Schrodingersba4 continued to encourage Paris to surpass his limits, creating a dynamic reminiscent of classic anime rivalries. Paris eventually reclaimed his title with a record-breaking 4.3 billion damage attack, showcasing the dedication and passion players have for fine-tuning their builds in Clair Obscur.
In the interview, Broche acknowledged that the players’ ability to break the game’s mechanics and discover broken builds was a sign of the game’s success. He highlighted how players’ love for the game’s systems led them to explore every possibility, even if it meant the studio had to make adjustments like nerfing certain skills. The constant back-and-forth between players and developers in the pursuit of higher damage numbers showcased the deep engagement and enjoyment players found in Clair Obscur’s combat mechanics.
Despite the challenges of keeping up with player discoveries, the developers at Sandfall Interactive embraced the competitive spirit and creativity of their player base. The ongoing rivalry between players like Paris and Schrodingersba4 serves as a testament to the community’s passion for exploring and optimizing their gameplay experience. As the competition continues to unfold, it’s clear that Clair Obscur has fostered a vibrant and dedicated player community that thrives on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the game.
