Guillaume Broche, the creative director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has reassured fans that the debate over the game’s endings is a topic of contention not just among players but also within the development team.
For those who have completed Expedition 33, the climax revolves around a conflict where characters Maelle and Verso each strive to shape the fate of a painted world, each with their personal motives. Maelle’s ending is perceived as optimistic since it sees all characters survive, Gustave returns, and Maelle escapes her struggles with life in the real world. However, this ending carries an underlying tension and raises unsettling questions about Maelle’s future. In contrast, Verso’s conclusion, although tragic with the erasure of all characters, presents Maelle living as a new identity, Alicia, signifying a form of acceptance.
Fans have actively debated which ending can be deemed the “good” one. Both Maelle and Verso’s voice actors have expressed a fondness for Maelle’s conclusion, though Verso’s actor, Ben Starr, humorously admits his preference stems from his performance. The developers, including Broche, have also engaged in these discussions. In a recent interview, when asked if a definitive or “good” ending exists, Broche revealed, “That’s something we’ve had a lot of arguments about in the team too!”
According to Broche, the perception of the endings and the determination of what constitutes a “good” resolution largely depends on individual experiences. He praised lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen and the exceptional work of the motion capture and voice actors for creating such powerful story outcomes. Broche further noted that life’s choices often exist in shades of gray, where clear distinctions between right and wrong do not always apply, making the complexity of these choices resonate on a personal level.
Ultimately, he emphasizes that what truly matters is how each player interprets the narrative and its endings. The impact of this discussion is underscored as a Monoco actor from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 recently received a BAFTA Award nomination, an achievement that adds to the excitement surrounding the game and its storytelling. Amidst the celebrations, the actor humorously expressed, “F**k,” highlighting the unexpected triumphs that the cast and crew have experienced.