Technology

Inside the Innovative Character Lineup of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

2025-05-19

Author: William

From NASA Inspiration to Video Game Characters

How does one craft an adventure in a game like "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33"? For the ingenious writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, it required a radical rethinking of traditional RPG roles, almost likening her characters to a high-stakes movie cast. Surprisingly, her journey began with a unique experience.

"This might sound odd, but I participated in a NASA simulation as an analog astronaut," Svedberg-Yen explained. "During this mission to an asteroid at NASA's Houston compound, I worked within a small team. This experience shaped how I envisioned the crew for our expedition—not just a band of soldiers, but a diverse group with various professional skills to solve problems and understand the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Paintress."

Crafting Characters: A Blend of Fantasy and Realism

Even in a narrative-rich fantasy realm, game mechanics play a pivotal role. Svedberg-Yen and game director Guillaume Broche were united in their vision; they craved a character wielding elemental magic alongside those brandishing swords and guns. Fortunately, they recognized the fundamental appeal of these archetypes.

At the crossroads of turn-based combat, imaginative world-building, and NASA's meticulous crew selection, Svedberg-Yen found her ensemble. The clever engineer Gustave was born, along with Sciel, a farmer responsible for the crew's sustenance. The elemental-magic specialist, Lune, also emerged as a scholar in research. Even as their narratives expanded, traces of these concepts remained.

A Non-Traditional RPG Structure

The unconventional structure of "Expedition 33"—especially the surprising twists following Act 1—enabled Svedberg-Yen and Broche to redefine the expectations of RPG character dynamics. Rather than a singular protagonist with a cast that revolved around them, they opted for a fresh approach.

In Act 1, Gustave takes center stage; in Act 2, that spotlight shifts to Verso; and come Act 3, it’s Maelle’s turn. Svedberg-Yen gleefully notes that Maelle is like the hidden main character, Gustave serves as a decoy, and Verso is the focal point too, but not in a traditional sense. Each character shares the spotlight, allowing players to connect with the one that resonates most with them, leaving room for personal interpretation.

Future Prospects for Expedition 33

As for whether these characters will see more adventures or if a sequel is on the horizon, Svedberg-Yen remains tight-lipped. While the Sandfall Interactive team is presently fine-tuning their recently launched game, her endeavor to create distinctive and engaging characters feels like a triumph.

"Our story has a complete arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, all tied together neatly," she shares. "It stands solidly on its own, but if players crave more time with Maelle or the others? Well, who knows! Creativity knows no bounds."