“Every time someone accuses us of ripping off Expedition 33, we die a little bit inside”: Indie studio hits back at people not understanding how long game development takes

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the trending game of 2025, and with the awards season looming, we are confident it will gather numerous shiny accolades. Given the immense popularity of this turn-based RPG on streaming platforms and social networks, it appears that numerous players are encountering elements of Expedition 33 in various titles they engage with.

The Time I Have Left is an upcoming indie title set in a realm where individuals’ lifespans are finite. When a lady discovers her time is short, she hastens to escape her confines, battling fantastical creatures en route. With a turn-based combat system and an elegant interface, this may resonate strongly with aficionados of Expedition 33.

Nearly every artistic pursuit draws inspiration from other origins, and this also holds true for Expedition 33. Sandfall Interactive proudly acknowledges that it drew inspiration from classic JRPGs, particularly the Final Fantasy franchise. Both The Time I Have Left and Expedition 33 likely share similar inspirations, including a sleek UI reminiscent of that seen in Persona 5.

Instead of presuming that both titles are influenced by certain games, some individuals have reportedly accused the indie developers of “copying” the blockbuster of 2025, as stated by the creators. They revealed on Twitter, “Every time someone claims we’re copying Expedition 33, a part of us dies inside. Yes, it’s a turn-based RPG. Yes, it features dodges and counters. Our game has included these elements in the public demonstrations we launched in 2022 and 2024. There’s no need for name-calling.”

If you doubt the team, The Time I Have Left demo is available now if you wish to discover how it differs from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Freelance author, full-time PlayStation Vita enthusiast