Are AA Games Making a Comeback?

In recent years, gamers have lamented the decline of AA games—those mid-budget titles created by mid-sized teams. Defined by their impressive production values akin to AAA blockbusters, including full voice acting and cinematic cutscenes, AA games traditionally occupied a unique space. However, they have mainly faded into the background, overshadowed by indie successes and the rising dominance of ultra-expensive AAA projects.

A Remarkable Finding!

Recently, a post on the gaming forum ResetEra sparked intrigue—two of the highest-rated games of 2025, alongside the indie hit **Blue Prince**, are **Clair Obscur: Expedition 33** and **Split Fiction**. With a price tag of $50, these titles defy the industry trend of escalating game prices, proving that great experiences don’t always have to break the bank.

Rethinking Value in Gaming

While some argue that higher prices are necessary for the industry's survival amidst soaring development costs and inflation, it's crucial to explore alternative pathways to sustainability. The gaming landscape could benefit from a shift in expectations regarding game scope and technical demands. As one meme humorously puts it, ‘I want shorter games with worse graphics made by people who are paid more to work less.’ This sentiment seems to resonate with the essence of AA games.

Meet the New Contenders: Clair Obscur and Split Fiction

**Clair Obscur** is the debut title from Sandfall Interactive, an indie studio founded by ex-Ubisoft staff, functioning with a compact team backed by free agents. **Split Fiction**, while financed by the industry titan Electronic Arts, is developed independently by Hazelight Studios. This model allows both developers creative freedom and possibly better working conditions than many traditional studios.

The Critical Success of AA Games

What sets these two titles apart from former AA classics is their reception. Games like **Second Sight** and **The Darkness** were decent but rarely regarded as outstanding. In contrast, **Clair Obscur** and **Split Fiction** have garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, boasting impressive scores of over 90 on Metacritic and Opencritic, typically reserved for AAA titles. This shift indicates a promising resurgence for mid-budget games.

Playing to Their Strengths

Both games excel for unique reasons. **Split Fiction** has tapped into the popular but underserved genre of split-screen co-op gaming. Meanwhile, **Clair Obscur** channels nostalgia with a fresh twist, reminiscent of the beloved turn-based **Final Fantasy** titles of the early 2000s.

A Bright Future for AA Games?

Emphasizing specificity rather than mass appeal, these titles resonate deeply with players craving distinctive experiences that mainstream games overlook. As the gaming industry navigates its current sustainability crisis, it's refreshing to see AA games regaining respect and admiration. If either **Split Fiction** or **Clair Obscur** clinches the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards this December—especially after Grand Theft Auto 6’s unexpected delay—it will signify a pivotal moment for the AA renaissance.