Although video game soundtracks rarely climb the Billboard charts, some defy the odds, fromMinecraft‘s eerie serenity toCuphead‘s brassy swagger. Now,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33ascends with artistic force, captivating listeners beyond gaming and proving that music born in pixels can echo far beyond the screen.
A glance at the Billboard Classical Albums chart revealsExpedition 33proudly at number one, and rightfully so. Beyond its gripping story and fun-filledturn-based RPGmechanics, the soundtrack stands out as unforgettable. The main menu alone drew in so many players, myself included, with its captivating tone. I’ve found myself humming its theme all week, immersed in the haunting vocals and the delicate arrangement of strings.
What makes this triumph even more impressive is the serendipitous journey of Lorien Testard, the composer behindClair Obscur: Expedition 33. His path to the project began in the most unexpected way—by sharing his SoundCloud compositions on a video game forum. There, Guillaume Broche,Game Directorof Sandfall Interactive, discovered Testard’s work, setting the stage for a fortuitous collaboration that would define the soundtrack ofExpedition 33. It just goes to show how anything can happen in the video game industry, even if it starts off as a simple conversation on a forum.
Testard’s journey through the world of video games has profoundly influenced his approach to composing. On the officialExpedition 33page, he mentions thatThe Legend of Zeldafeatures one of the most “unforgettable soundtracks.” I can certainly see the inspiration behind this inExpedition 33, where echoes of that iconic score can be felt in the sweeping melodies and richly layered orchestration. But, of course, Testard adds his own unique spin to the world of music, and I reckon his work may inspire other virtuosos in future projects.
Considering thatClair Obscur: Expedition 33has claimed the number one spot on Billboard’s Classical Albums, it’s certainly a strong contender for Best Score and Music at the Game Awards. Heck, I would even argue it has the potential to take home the crown forGame of the Year, though there’s still plenty of time left before 2025 draws to a close. With the year unfolding, the journey ofExpedition 33is far from over, and it will be exciting to see just how much more it leaves its mark on the world of gaming and music.
