Former PlayStation Exec Advised Expedition 33 Team to Avoid 'Turn-Based' Label
Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation executive, advised the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to avoid marketing it as a turn-based RPG, fearing that label could deter players. He praised the game's quality but suggested using 'reactive turn-based battles' instead. The game went on to receive critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Yoshida shared this warning during a lecture for indie developers, with his comments later translated from Japanese. He advised the publisher that the traditional genre tag might make the title appear outdated, leading them to adopt alternative marketing language for the game's combat system.
The title ultimately achieved strong commercial and critical success, collecting honors at major award shows and earning a high aggregate review score. Yoshida has since noted a growing number of publishers receiving pitches for new turn-based projects, suggesting a possible market shift.
The anecdote illustrates how genre labels can significantly influence consumer perception and marketing strategies. Developers may increasingly adopt alternative terminology to broaden appeal, potentially reshaping how classic mechanics are presented. This could affect player expectations, as newcomers might engage with turn-based systems under different names, while veteran fans may witness a resurgence of the genre. The industry's response may lead to more inventive promotional approaches.