The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Have Fans Feeling Blue, and Not for the Reason You Think

The gaming world is still reeling from the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a critical and commercial smash hit that has captivated players with its unique turn-based combat, stunning art direction, and emotionally resonant story. Developer Sandfall Interactive’s debut game has been praised as a “modern RPG classic,” and with over 4.4 million units sold since its April 2025 release, it’s no surprise that the studio is already teasing its next project. However, recent interviews with the game’s director, Guillaume Broche, have given rise to a new fan theory that could leave players with a different kind of “post-game blues”: the next installment might not feature the beloved cast of Expedition 33.

In a series of interviews, Broche clarified that “Clair Obscur” is not just the title of the game, but the name of the entire franchise. “Expedition 33 is one of the stories that we want to tell in this franchise,” he stated, hinting at a future that could be more akin to a series of interconnected, yet standalone, experiences. This is a significant revelation, as it suggests the next game may not be a direct sequel, but rather an anthology-style entry with a new cast of characters, a different setting, and a unique emotional tone. This possibility has sparked a passionate debate among the game’s fanbase, as many have become deeply attached to the Dessendre family and the crew of Expedition 33.

Unpacking the Evidence: Why a New Cast is Likely

The theory that the next game will feature a new cast is rooted in several key points:

• The Nature of the Endings: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has two distinct endings, both of which seem to tie a definitive knot on the story of the Dessendre family. One ending, which is widely considered the “canon” or “good” ending, has the canvas destroyed, effectively erasing the world of Expedition 33 and all its inhabitants, including the player’s companions. The other ending, which is more tragic, sees the world preserved but with the Dessendre family consumed by their grief. Neither ending leaves a clear path for a direct sequel that re-features the same beloved characters.
• The “Clair Obscur” Concept: The name itself, which translates from French to “light-dark,” is a key artistic and thematic principle. It’s a term for a strong contrast between light and darkness, and the first game explored this through the themes of life and death, hope and despair. The next game could explore a different facet of this theme, perhaps focusing on the “Writers,” the mysterious antagonists of the first game, or another family from the world of Lumiere. This would allow Sandfall Interactive to maintain the franchise’s core artistic vision without being constrained by the narrative of the first game.
• The Studio’s Ambition: Sandfall Interactive has shown a remarkable ability to blend classic turn-based RPG mechanics with modern real-time elements. By creating a new story with different characters, the studio could experiment with a different gameplay genre or narrative tone, proving their versatility and avoiding the risk of a sequel feeling “derivative.” This approach has worked for other franchises, such as the Final Fantasy series, which tells a new story in each main installment.

The Emotional Fallout: The “Blue” Feeling

The thought of a new game without the characters of Expedition 33 is a difficult pill for many fans to swallow. The game’s narrative was a deeply personal one, exploring themes of trauma, grief, and family. Players became emotionally invested in the relationships between Gustave, Maelle, and their companions, and the knowledge that a sequel would likely not bring them back is a source of genuine sadness. This isn’t a negative reaction to the game’s quality; rather, it’s a testament to how well the developers crafted these characters and their story. The “blue” feeling is not one of disappointment, but of profound attachment and the bittersweet reality that all good things must come to an end.

While the studio has not officially announced its next project, the creative vision laid out by its director strongly suggests that the future of Clair Obscur is not a direct continuation of Expedition 33. For fans who are still processing the game’s powerful ending, this news serves as a reminder that the beauty of the story lies in its conclusion. It also opens up a world of possibilities for what the franchise can become. The next chapter could be a prequel exploring the lives of previous expeditions, a new story in a different time and place, or an exploration of the “Writers'” perspective. The future of Clair Obscur may not look like what fans expect, but it will undoubtedly be a new and exciting journey.