"It's a sad decision." Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developers on the end of physical disc production and why they pushed for a physical release despite the drawbacks 

July 29, 2026 - 00:24

The team behind the upcoming RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 recently opened up about the emotional weight of producing a physical edition of their game. In a candid interview, core members of Sandfall Interactive discussed the growing difficulty of getting discs made and the bittersweet feeling that comes with watching a format fade away.

"It's a sad decision," one developer said, referring to the industry's slow retreat from physical media. They explained that while digital distribution is convenient, it removes a sense of permanence. "You don't really own a digital file in the same way. A disc is something you can hold, put on a shelf, or pass to a friend. That matters."

The team pushed hard for a physical release despite the logistical headaches. Manufacturing discs is expensive, especially for a smaller studio. Retailers demand high minimum orders, and the profit margins are thin. "We knew it would cost us," another developer admitted. "But for us, it was about respect for the people who grew up buying games in boxes. We wanted to give them that experience."

They also touched on the environmental and archival issues. "Digital storefronts can shut down. Servers go offline. A disc, if you take care of it, can last decades. That feels important for a game we poured years of our lives into."

The interview ended on a hopeful note. While the team acknowledged that physical media is becoming a niche product, they believe it still has a place. "As long as players want it, we will fight for it. Even if it's just a small run, it's worth doing."