Shuhei Yoshida told Expedition 33 studio to avoid terms like ‘turn-based RPG’ because it may cause people to “overlook” the game

===Shuhei Yoshida Urged Expedition 33 Devs to Ditch “Turn-Based RPG” Label for a Fresher Approach===

[Industry veteran Shuhei Yoshida offered crucial advice to the developers of Expedition 33, urging them to reconsider how they described their innovative take on turn-based combat.]

The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and sometimes even seemingly innocuous choices in marketing can have a significant impact. Veteran PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida recently shared an interesting anecdote from his time advising indie developers, revealing that he cautioned the team behind Expedition 33 against labeling their game as a “turn-based RPG.” This seemingly small detail highlights the importance of carefully considering how a game is positioned to avoid alienating potential players.

The Power of Perception: Why Labels Matter

At the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026, Yoshida explained that while he was incredibly impressed with Expedition 33’s innovative combat system – drawing comparisons to The Legend of Dragoon, a game he himself produced – he felt the “turn-based RPG” label might inadvertently deter some players. He believed that the term had become somewhat outdated and could lead people to overlook the game’s unique qualities.

“It’s incredibly well-made, but it would be better not to call it a turn-based RPG. That alone might cause players to overlook it,” Yoshida stated, as reported by Automaton. This sentiment underscores the challenge indie developers face in breaking through the noise and attracting attention in a crowded market.

A Fresh Perspective on Turn-Based Combat

Yoshida’s advice proved invaluable. According to reports, both Kepler Interactive and Sandfall Interactive took his suggestion to heart, opting for the more contemporary description of “reactive turn-based battles” to showcase the game’s combat system. This subtle shift in terminology allowed players to better understand the blend of real-time mechanics, such as parrying and dodging, seamlessly integrated with traditional turn orders.

As anyone who experienced Expedition 33 can attest, this innovative approach to turn-based combat quickly became one of the game’s most celebrated features became one of the strongest and most-lauded aspects of the game. It was a bold move that resonated with players seeking a fresh take on a familiar genre.

Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim

The gamble paid off handsomely. Expedition 33 initially managed to sell a fitting 3.3 million copies in its first month, before bumping that to 5.5 million copies by October 2025, demonstrating the power of innovative gameplay and strategic marketing. The game’s success is undeniable.

Furthermore, Expedition 33 garnered widespread critical acclaim, winning multiple honours at The Game Awards that year and even ending up at number two on Eurogamer’s list of the 50 best games of 2025. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and vision of the development team.

Source: Eurogamer