From Victorian Steampunk to Acclaimed JRPG: The Evolution of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has taken the gaming world by storm, praised for its innovative turn-based combat, stunning world-building, and captivating narrative. But the road to success wasn't a straight line. This article delves into the game's fascinating development journey, revealing how a scrapped Victorian steampunk project paved the way for the acclaimed JRPG.

Initially, Guillaume Broche, the game director, and Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the narrative lead, were working on a different concept: a steampunk Victorian England setting with zombies and aliens. However, after six months of development, potential investors encouraged them to "think bigger."

"Guillaume called me, and he's just like, 'Alright, reboot. We're starting from scratch,'," Svedberg-Yen recalls. This bold decision led to the birth of Expedition 33, evolving from a painting that Broche liked and a short story Svedberg-Yen was working on, revolving around an artist entering her own canvases. The catalyst for the narrative events came from an unlikely source: Broche's mom. When asked what the worst thing that could happen to her would be, she responded, "to lose you" or any of her children, and that became the foundation for the game's emotional core.

One of the most significant talking points in the game's opening hours is the unexpected death of Gustave, seemingly the main protagonist. Svedberg-Yen reveals that this pivotal moment was planned from the beginning, designed to push the remaining characters further along in their emotional journeys. "It's about thinking about what will push the characters further along in their emotional journey and what will really make sense within the broader theme of what we're trying to achieve."

The game avoids a clear-cut good versus evil narrative, instead presenting conflicts arising from different perspectives on what needs to be done. "We raise questions, and we want the player to engage with those questions, and we want the player to be part of that decision-making," Svedberg-Yen explains.

Clair Obscur boasts an ensemble cast, including Hollywood actors Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis, which Svedberg-Yen believes truly elevated the narrative. She praises the voice actors' ability to capture the essence of the characters, bringing depth and emotion to the story. The composer Lorien Testard crafted a truly impressive, Billboard-charting soundtrack that has resonated deeply with players.

While there are currently no concrete plans for a sequel or DLC, the world of Clair Obscur holds endless possibilities for expansion. Svedberg-Yen expresses her desire to explore previous expeditions, the main roster of painters, and the mysterious writers, stating, "The world is our oyster. Everything is possible."

What aspects of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 resonated most with you? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below!

• Clair Obscur
• JRPG
• Sandfall Interactive

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Is Expedition 33 turn based?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an incredibly unique experience, despite having clear inspirations from classic JRPGs, but one of its most distinctive characteristics is its turn-based formula.

Is Clair Obscur Expedition 33 a JRPG?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an irresistible melting pot of old and new ideas, combining classic JRPG tropes with modern storytelling sensibilities and new gameplay flourishes.

Who is Maelle in Expedition 33?

Maelle is one of the members of Expedition 33 and the youngest of their group, going 9 years before her gommage.