The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Be A Radical Departure, Leaving Beloved Characters Behind

The acclaimed turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, was a breakout hit and a major contender for Game of the Year, lauded for its stunning art direction, innovative combat, and a gut-wrenching story. However, a recent statement from the development team at Sandfall Interactive has hinted at a future for the franchise that could leave many fans feeling blue, and not because of a tragic twist. The team has made it clear that “Clair Obscur” is the name of a franchise, not a single game, and that a sequel could completely abandon the characters and setting that players have grown to love, potentially shifting genres entirely.

In an interview with YouTuber MrMattyPlays (as reported by Eurogamer), director Guillaume Broche stated that Expedition 33 was merely “one of the stories that we want to tell in this franchise.” He added that while it’s too soon to announce what the next game will look like, it’s clear that the series is not over. This confirmation of a new title has thrilled the community, but the subsequent discussions about what that means for the beloved cast of Expedition 33—Gustave, Maelle, Lune, Sciel, and Verso—have sparked a major debate. The endings of the first game, which are famously bleak, offer no easy path for the return of the original cast, leaving many fans to believe that their journey is over.

Why The Next Game Could Leave Fans Behind

The potential for a complete narrative and tonal shift in the next Clair Obscur game is rooted in the very fabric of the first game’s story. The ending of Expedition 33 reveals that the world of Lumière and its people are “painted” creations within a canvas, a reality created by a family of “Painters” who are at war with a rival family of “Writers.” The ending leaves players with a choice: destroy the painted world and its inhabitants for the sake of the real-world character, or save the painted world and sacrifice the well-being of the one real-world character. Both endings are deeply somber, and neither provides a clear, happy path for the original cast’s future. The new game could explore a completely different “painted” world, or it could focus on the “Painters” and “Writers” in their real-world conflict.

• No More Beloved Characters: The most painful part of this shift for many fans is the potential loss of the characters they’ve grown attached to. The journey of Expedition 33, with its high-stakes and emotional character development, is what madethe game a critical darling. A sequel that completely ignores these characters, and their tragic fates, would be a hard pill for many to swallow. Some fans have suggested that a sequel should at least have a cameo or a reference to the previous game’s heroes, but the developers’ comments suggest a clean slate.
• A Tonal and Genre Shift: The director’s comments open the door for a radical departure in gameplay and tone. The next game could be a different genre entirely, perhaps a real-time action RPG focused on the “Painters” in their world, or even a strategic game about the “Writers.” While this would be an incredibly bold and innovative move, it would also risk alienating the fanbase who fell in love with the specific turn-based combat and art style of Expedition 33. The original game’s success was tied to its unique blend of classic JRPG mechanics with a modern, western aesthetic, and a new game that abandons this formula could be a risky gamble.

A Look at the Business Strategy

From a business perspective, the decision to turn Clair Obscur into an anthology franchise makes a lot of sense. It allows the developers to tell new and diverse stories within the same universe without being shackled by the past. It also gives them the freedom to experiment with different genres and themes, which is a powerful advantage in the ever-evolving gaming industry. This approach could attract a wider audience and keep the brand fresh and relevant for years to come. The success of the first game, which sold over 4.4 million units and received widespread critical acclaim, has given Sandfall Interactive the financial and creative freedom to take such a risk. However, the risk remains. Many beloved franchises have suffered from a lack of focus on what made the original game special. The community debate on Reddit and other forums shows that while fans are excited for a new game, there is also a palpable sense of anxiety about what it means for the characters they’ve come to know and love.

The developers have a monumental task ahead of them: to craft a new story that is just as compelling as Expedition 33, without relying on the characters that made the first game a masterpiece. The next chapter of Clair Obscur is highly anticipated, but the question remains: will it be a worthy successor, or a missed opportunity that leaves its original fans feeling blue?