Sandfall Interactive’s Unique Office: A Manor Straight Out of a Game
Imagine walking into an office that feels just like the setting of your favorite video game. For the team at Sandfall Interactive, that’s precisely what they get every day. Their workspace, a quaint manor, uncannily resembles the one featured in their hit title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. And believe it or not, this striking resemblance was purely accidental.
Guillaume Broche, the creative director and CEO of Sandfall, shared some insights about the new digs. He mentioned, “I wouldn’t say it’s huge, but it’s a significant upgrade from our previous office, which was cramped and not ideal for creative work.” When the team decided to expand after teaming up with publisher Kepler Interactive, the Montpellier government helped them find this charming manor, which they now fondly call The Manor.
Upon their first visit, the team was taken aback. Broche recalled, “We had already built a manor in our game, and when we opened the door, we thought, ‘It’s the same!’ It was meant to be.” This cozy environment is reflected in their work culture, which Broche emphasizes should feel more like hanging out at home than clocking in at the office.
Broche elaborated, “Our philosophy is simple: when you come to work, it shouldn’t feel like work. It should feel like entering a house where you’re creating games with friends.” The space, while not massive, is designed to foster a close-knit atmosphere. The layout encourages communication among team members, making collaboration seamless and enjoyable.
What’s more, the team has a lovely garden where they frequently unwind by playing Pétanque and Ping Pong. Thanks to the success of Clair Obscur, many might think they’d be eyeing a larger office. However, Broche believes that keeping a compact space is essential to maintaining their independent spirit and the sense of camaraderie that initially sparked their creativity.
As the team continues to work on their projects, they remain committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and comfortable, allowing for plenty of laughter and fun along the way. With inspirations taken from iconic series like Attack on Titan and Bleach, they’re excited to keep delivering masterpieces that resonate with gamers everywhere.