The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Be a Fresh Start, and That Has Fans Worried

The highly acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a breakout hit of 2025, earning a stellar reputation for its beautiful art style, inventive turn-based combat, and deeply emotional story. Now, with the game’s director, Guillaume Broche, confirming that Clair Obscur is not just a standalone title but an entire franchise, the gaming community is buzzing with excitement. However, this promising news has also brought with it a significant wave of concern. The worry isn’t about the quality of the next game; it’s about what a new entry in the series might lose from the original masterpiece.

In a recent interview, Broche confirmed that the “Clair Obscur” name is a franchise, and that “Expedition 33” was just the first story. He stated that “what it will look like and what the concept will be is still too soon to announce, but what is sure is that this is not the end of the Clair Obscur franchise.” This statement, while exciting on the surface, has led many fans to believe that the next game will not be a direct sequel, but a new story in the same universe, akin to the Final Fantasy franchise. The thought of moving on from the beloved characters and world of Expedition 33 is a tough pill to swallow for many, and it’s making fans feel “blue” in a way that goes beyond the game’s melancholy themes.

Why a New Story Is Both Exciting and Concerning

The core of the fan concern stems from the profound emotional connection players forged with the characters of Expedition 33. The journey of Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow companions was a story about grief, trauma, and moving on. The narrative’s strength came from the personal growth and deep bonds of the Dessendre family as they confronted their pain. A sequel that carries over these characters would provide a satisfying continuation, but a new game in a new setting could mean saying goodbye to them forever. Here’s a breakdown of the fan’s dilemma:

• Loss of Beloved Characters: The characters of Expedition 33 are the heart and soul of the game. Their unique personalities, witty dialogue, and emotional arcs are what made the story so powerful. The idea of a new game without them feels like a major loss to many players who have become emotionally invested in their journey.
• The Uniqueness of the First World: The world of Expedition 33, a dark fantasy inspired by Belle Époque France and set inside a living canvas, was one of the most singular and creative settings in recent gaming history. The mystery of the “Painters” and “Writers” and the rules of this painted world are what made the game so special. A new game in a different setting, while potentially intriguing, would lose the element of surprise and discovery that was so integral to the first title.
• A Different Thematic Tone: The original game was a story about grief and loss, punctuated by moments of hope and love. Fans are worried that a new entry might adopt a completely different thematic tone, potentially losing the emotional weight that made the first game a critical and commercial success.

The Business Strategy of an Anthology Series

From a business perspective, Sandfall Interactive’s decision to make Clair Obscur an anthology series is a very smart move. It frees the developer from the pressure of creating a direct sequel that needs to surpass the original in every way. By starting fresh with each new title, they can explore new genres, art styles, and narratives within the same universe of “painters” and “writers” without being tied down by the expectations of a direct continuation. This approach has worked for other franchises like Final Fantasy and could position Clair Obscur as a major player in the RPG market for years to come. This also gives them the flexibility to capitalize on new trends in gaming and reach a wider audience with powerful high-CPC keywords.

While the developers are still focused on releasing updates for Expedition 33, which has sold over 4.4 million copies, it is clear that they are already in the early stages of creative development for the next project. The hope among fans is that any new characters will be just as compelling as the original cast and that the next story, whatever it may be, will retain the same heart and soul that made Expedition 33 a gaming classic. The next Clair Obscur game will be a true test of whether the franchise’s magic lies in its original story or in its creative concepts.