David Gaider, the former narrative lead for Dragon Age, recently shared his thoughts on what makes Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stand out in the crowded RPG landscape. According to Gaider, these games are not just successful titles—they are "love letters to their genre," meticulously crafted to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Released on April 24, 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 quickly became a sensation, blending dark storytelling with a refined hybrid combat system. The game sold over a million copies in its first 12 days and boasts a stellar Metacritic score of 9.7. Similarly, Baldur's Gate 3 captivated players in 2024 with its deep narrative and immersive gameplay, selling 15 million copies and setting a new benchmark for RPGs.

The Power of Patience in Game Development

Gaider attributes the success of both games to one critical factor: time. Baldur's Gate 3 benefited from an extensive early access period, allowing Larian Studios to refine the game based on player feedback. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, though not in early access, was given the necessary development time to polish its mechanics and narrative.

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In an interview with GamesRadar+, Gaider emphasized that "games need time to cook" to reach their full potential. He acknowledged the challenges developers face with publisher-imposed deadlines but stressed that quality should never be compromised for speed.

Designing for a Core Audience

Another key takeaway from Gaider's analysis is the importance of designing games with a specific audience in mind. Both Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were tailored for RPG enthusiasts, yet their exceptional quality attracted a broader player base. "When a game is strong in its vision, it naturally expands its audience," Gaider noted.

The Future of RPGs

As Baldur's Gate 3 continues to thrive with its latest updates and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gains momentum, Gaider's insights serve as a reminder of what the gaming industry can achieve when creativity and patience take precedence. These games are not just milestones—they are blueprints for the future of RPGs.