Olivier Penchenier worked in the technical design of the sound of the video game “Clear obscure: Expedition 33”, which has already exceeded one million sales. The Bagnolais took care of the game kinematics and making the link between the Programming and SES teams within the Montpellier studio Sandfall Interactive.
Olivier Penchenier participated in the creation of the video game “Clear Dark: Expedition 33”, which is currently a hit in the world. A consecration for the Bagnolais which was however not immediately attracted by the world of video games. If he played with his brother when he was younger, he was not really intended to work in this area.
“After my schooling in Bagnols, I did a BTS negotiations for customer relations in Mende. I didn’t like it, so I went back to my parents before joining the Workshop audio training in Montpellier”. Within this training, the Gardois discovered the world of sound, which he liked a lot. Then the following year, he specialized in video games. “Abstract creation and the magical side attracted me particularly”. The beginning of a love for sound and video games.
He worked on Montpellier video games
At the end of its training, the production center of audio workshop offered to Olivier to hire him. He therefore made his start there, including work on two 100 % Montpellier video games, “in guard!” and “Elypse”. Then he started taking care of the sound for “Clear Dark: Expedition 33”, a video game created by the Sandfall Interactive studio, which called on providers to help them in the design of the game.
But in 2023, Audio Workshop closed its doors and Olivier joined Sandfall, as Technical Sound Designer (Technical Sound Designer). “I made the link between the programming and sound teams. I also took care of the game kinematics, and in particular SFX and part of the Foleys (not and noise of clothing). In total, there are almost 4:30 am cinematics in” Expedition 33 “, which corresponds to the duration of the third chapter of the Lord of the Rings” The Return of the King “, in a long version”specifies the Bagnolais.
“Critics are very positive”
Released on April 24, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” has already exceeded one million sales, a huge figure for the first video game from Studio Sandfall. “No one expected it here. We knew it would work but not at this point. Then the criticisms are also very positive (92/100 on Metacritic, a renowned site), it is one of the best rated games in history. Such commercial and critical success, it’s pretty crazy”.
This game which takes place in the heyday (end of the 19th centurye and early XXe century in France), apocalyptic way, tells the story of a painter who inscribes a figure on his monolith. This figure starts at 100 and drops every year. Each year, individuals of age registered disappear. When the painting increases 33, a new expedition is pursuing it.
As soon as this game is finished, Olivier and his whole team are already looking forward to working on a new project. But in the meantime, the Bagnolais intends to return some time to these native lands to blow, but not only. “I would like to make more creations to have my personal sounds during the next games. I will take the opportunity to go out in Bagnols and capture some sounds with my microphone”.
In parallel with his work at Sandfall, Olivier Penchennier also gives lessons as a referent video game teacher at Slope Audio Training, a training center in the sound professions in Montpellier. A way for him to transmit his knowledge to passionate young people, who may create video games with him later.
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