The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Leave Fans Disappointed, and Not for the Reason You Think

In the wake of the resounding success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has sold over 4.4 million copies since its April 2025 release, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the critically acclaimed RPG franchise. While developer Sandfall Interactive has already confirmed that Clair Obscur is a franchise and not a one-off title, recent reports and analysis suggest that the next installment may not feature the one thing that made the first game so beloved: its core cast of characters. The possibility of moving on from Gustave, Maelle, and their companions has fans feeling “blue,” and it’s not due to any narrative reason but rather a sense of loss for the emotional core of the first game.

Director Guillaume Broche has stated that “Expedition 33 is one of the stories that we want to tell in this franchise,” which strongly implies that future games will focus on new stories and characters. This is a common practice in the gaming industry, especially for developers who want to explore different aspects of a rich and expansive world. However, in the case of Clair Obscur, the emotional connection players forged with the Dessendre family and their companions—Gustave, Maelle, Lune, Sciel, Verso, and Monoco—was a major reason for its success. The game’s narrative, which is deeply rooted in themes of trauma, grief, and family, resonated with players on a deeply personal level.

Why Moving On from Expedition 33’s Cast is a Double-Edged Sword

The potential absence of the original cast in the next Clair Obscur game is a fascinating and risky creative decision. While it allows the developers to introduce new storylines and gameplay mechanics, it risks alienating the fanbase that fell in love with the original party. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of this creative choice:

• Pro: Creative Freedom and New Narratives. By focusing on a new cast, the developers have the freedom to explore a different genre, art style, and narrative tone. The game’s world is vast, with different “Painters” and “Writers” who have their own unique abilities and stories to tell. A new game could focus on a completely different part of this universe, perhaps exploring the history of the “Paintress” or the origins of the “Nevrons.”
• Con: The Emotional Cost. The biggest drawback is the loss of the characters that players have grown to love. The endings of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 were emotionally devastating for many, and the idea of moving on from a cast that has become so iconic is a tough pill to swallow. The humor, love, and growth between the characters in the first game were what made the experience so special, and replicating that with a new cast will be a significant challenge.
• Pro: Potential for New Gameplay. A new cast could bring with it new gameplay mechanics. The next game could be a different genre entirely, perhaps a real-time action RPG or a more traditional JRPG with an overhauled combat system. This would allow the developers to innovate and avoid making a sequel that feels too similar to the original.
• Con: The Success of the Original. The first game was a runaway success because it blended classic JRPG elements with a modern narrative. The characters, their relationships, and their stories were the beating heart of the game. For many players, the idea of a sequel without them feels like a missed opportunity to continue their journey and explore the aftermath of their choices.

The Business of a New Franchise

From a business perspective, the decision to make Clair Obscur a franchise with rotating protagonists makes sense. It creates a brand that is bigger than any single game or cast of characters. This allows Sandfall Interactive to continuously release new titles under the same brand without being tied down to a single narrative. The high sales of Expedition 33, which are even more impressive given the challenges faced by the global games market in 2025, have given the developer the financial stability to take creative risks and invest in new stories. The game’s critical acclaim has also placed it on the shortlist for many “Game of the Year” awards, further solidifying its reputation and generating valuable high-CPC keywords for the franchise.

While fans may feel a sense of loss at the thought of leaving the Dessendre family behind, it’s also a testament to the power of the first game. The fact that players are so attached to these characters shows just how well Sandfall Interactive crafted its world and narrative. The next Clair Obscur game will face immense pressure to live up to the legacy of its predecessor, and the challenge of doing so with a new cast will be a true test of the studio’s storytelling prowess. Only time will tell if fans embrace the new direction or if they will be left longing for the days of Expedition 33.