The team behind the upcoming RPG The Time I Have Left has pushed back against accusations of copying the hit game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, noting that their core mechanics appeared in public demos years earlier. The studio, Ground, released a statement highlighting demos from 2022 and 2024 that predate Expedition 33's 2025 launch. Despite recent challenges including bankruptcy, the developers continue work on the title.
Background on the Controversy
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, became one of 2025's standout turn-based RPGs, blending real-time movement with combat inspired by titles like Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Atelier Ryza, Mario RPG, Paper Mario, Final Fantasy, Persona, and Earthbound. Released this year, it drew significant attention for its innovative mechanics. In contrast, The Time I Have Left, an indie project from Ground, describes itself as a 'time-driven escape adventure with RPG elements.' Its demo has been on Steam for over a month as of November 2025, earning positive reception but criticism for 'clunky' combat in reviews.
Developers' Response
Accusations of plagiarism have frustrated Ground, especially since their game features similar dodges and parries in turn-based battles. On November 12, 2025, the team posted on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky: 'Every time someone accuses us of ripping off Expedition 33, we die a little bit inside. Yes, it’s a turn-based RPG. Yes, it has dodges and parries. But, our game already had all that in the public demos we released in 2022 and 2024. No need to call us names.' The post included a trailer showcasing the game's red, black, and white aesthetic, which gained traction with nearly 1,000 supportive replies.
Game Mechanics and Studio Challenges
The Time I Have Left emphasizes imbalanced combat where enemies take more actions per turn, but players can counter with parries, dodges, interrupts, and ways to gain extra turns. Ground welcomes Steam demo feedback. The studio faced bankruptcy earlier in 2025 but persists in development, hoping the buzz around Expedition 33 boosts interest in their title.