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

The debut of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a monumental success, cementing itself as one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed RPGs of 2025. With its unique blend of Belle Époque art, captivating turn-based combat, and a powerful narrative, the game from French studio Sandfall Interactive has sold over 4.4 million units and received near-universal praise. Naturally, the success has led to widespread anticipation for the next project in the “Clair Obscur” universe. However, recent hints from the development team and discussions within the community suggest that the next game might be a radical departure from the first, which could leave some fans with a sense of melancholy that has nothing to do with the game’s somber themes.

In a recent interview, Sandfall Interactive’s creative director, Guillaume Broche, confirmed that “Clair Obscur” is a franchise name, and “Expedition 33” is just the first story. He stated that the studio is not finished with the universe but that it is “too soon to announce” what the next game will be. This ambiguity has sent the gaming community into a frenzy of speculation. While many fans are hoping for a direct sequel or a prequel that follows the events of Expedition 0, the more likely scenario—and the one that could leave fans feeling “blue”—is that the next game will be a standalone, with a completely new cast, story, and setting.

The Evidence for a Standalone Sequel

The theory that the next “Clair Obscur” game will be a standalone title, much like the Final Fantasy series, is not based on baseless speculation. There are several pieces of evidence that point to this being the most logical and artistically consistent path for Sandfall Interactive:

• The “Final Fantasy” Influence: Sandfall Interactive has openly stated that it drew inspiration from classic JRPGs, particularly the Final Fantasy series. This model, where each game is a new, self-contained story set in its own unique world, allows for maximum creative freedom. The developers would not be tied down by the lore, characters, or even the timeline of Expedition 33, allowing them to explore new themes and gameplay ideas. This would be a perfect fit for a studio that values creative agility and a focused, narrative-driven experience.
• The Nature of the Ending: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had a conclusive and emotionally resonant ending. While there were some background lore details left unexplored, the core narrative of the main cast felt complete. Creating a direct sequel would risk undermining the emotional weight of that ending and could potentially lead to a less satisfying story. By moving on to a new cast and setting, the developers can maintain the artistic integrity of the original while building a new story on a clean slate.
• The “Painters and Writers” Theme: The core of the Clair Obscur universe revolves around the existential conflict between the “Painters” and the “Writers.” While Expedition 33 explored the side of the Painters, the next game could delve into the world of the Writers. This would be a perfect way to expand the lore of the franchise without directly continuing the story of the first game. A new game could be a prequel set during the Void Century or a completely new story in a different region of the world, offering a fresh perspective on the central conflict.
• The “Less is More” Philosophy: Sandfall Interactive has publicly stated that it does not plan on drastically expanding the size of its core development team. The studio believes it is at the “right size” to create a premium, high-quality RPG. Creating a massive, open-world direct sequel would likely require a significant expansion of the team and resources, a path the studio has indicated it wants to avoid. A standalone, narrative-driven experience would be a more manageable and artistically consistent project for a smaller, focused team.

The Fan Reaction: A Mix of Hope and Disappointment

The prospect of a standalone sequel has been met with a mixed reception from the gaming community. Many fans, particularly those on Reddit forums, are excited by the idea of new characters, worlds, and stories. They see it as an opportunity for the franchise to grow and evolve. However, there is a vocal group of players who have become deeply attached to the characters of Expedition 33 and are hoping for a direct continuation of their story. The thought of not seeing their favorite characters again could be a source of genuine sadness, even if the next game is artistically and commercially successful.

This is where the title of this article becomes a reality. The next “Clair Obscur” game could very well have fans “feeling blue” because they will have to say goodbye to the world and characters they have come to love, and not because of any artistic failings. This is the nature of a standalone franchise, and it’s a risk that Sandfall Interactive seems willing to take. While it may disappoint some, it is likely the best path for the series’ long-term creative health. As the industry continues to push for sprawling, live-service titles, Sandfall’s commitment to a single-player, narrative-focused experience is a refreshing and bold choice.