The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Be a Departure for Fans, But Not for the Reason You Think

In a bombshell reveal that has the gaming community buzzing, the director of the critically acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has hinted at the future of the franchise. While fans of the first game, which has sold over 4.4 million copies, are eagerly anticipating a sequel, a new report from a recent interview suggests that the next installment may not bring back the beloved characters and party from the original. This news has left fans feeling a surprising sense of melancholy, not because of a bad game, but because of a narrative choice that could leave them “feeling blue,” a direct nod to the game’s core themes of grief and loss.

Developer Sandfall Interactive’s debut title was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, exploring the themes of grief and trauma through the eyes of the Dessendre family. The game’s emotional core revolved around a world created from a painting, a coping mechanism for the family’s tragic loss. The title, which launched to universal acclaim in April 2025, has been celebrated for its intricate turn-based combat and heartbreaking narrative. However, a new interview with director Guillaume Broche has revealed that “Clair Obscur” is not just a game title, but a franchise name, with “Expedition 33” being just one of many stories they want to tell. This revelation, while exciting for the future of the series, comes with a somber twist for fans who have grown deeply attached to Gustave, Maelle, and the rest of the party.

A Painful Farewell: Why the Next Game Could Leave Fans Behind

The core of the issue lies in the two potential endings of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In the “A New Dawn” ending, which is considered the canon path, the Dessendre family’s world is destroyed, and they find a form of closure, returning to the real world and leaving their painted reality behind. This ending, while offering a sense of peace, means that the charismatic characters, quirky NPCs like Monoco and Esquie, and the entire painted world are erased from existence. For players who invested dozens of hours into the emotional journey, the idea of a new game without their cherished companions is a tough pill to swallow.

The next Clair Obscur game would likely follow a completely new story, with a new cast of characters, and a new “painted world” to explore. This could be a risky move for Sandfall Interactive. While it allows for immense creative freedom and a new gameplay genre and narrative tone, it could also alienate a fanbase that fell in love with the original party. The emotional bond between players and the characters was a key reason for the game’s critical and commercial success. A sequel that abandons these characters, even for a thematically consistent reason, could feel like a betrayal to some. This could create a unique problem for a new game: a fanbase that loves the original title but feels a profound sense of loss for the characters they left behind, and a game that could feel empty without them.

The Business of Storytelling and Creative Freedom

This situation highlights a central tension in the gaming industry: the balance between creative vision and consumer expectations. Sandfall Interactive’s decision to move on from the Expedition 33 story is a testament to their commitment to their artistic vision. They are not simply creating a sequel to cash in on a popular title but are expanding on a core concept of their world. The idea that each game in the “Clair Obscur” franchise will explore a different “painted world” and a new set of themes is a bold and ambitious move. It positions the series as an anthology, similar to the Final Fantasy or Persona series, where each installment is a standalone experience with a distinct identity.

However, this strategy also carries significant risks. Fans who fell in love with the original game’s characters might find it difficult to connect with a new cast. The game’s narrative structure, which made the original so compelling, might be a double-edged sword, leaving fans to mourn the loss of a cast they grew to love. As the anticipation builds for the next installment, the community will be closely watching for any hints about the new characters and setting. This new Clair Obscur game, while exciting, may force fans to confront the same themes of loss and letting go that made the original so emotionally powerful in the first place. The sequel may not disappoint on a technical level, but it could certainly make fans feel a unique kind of sadness, proving that sometimes, even good news can come with a touch of melancholy.