Stunned Fans Uncover Early Concept Trailer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

In our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, we handed out a well-deserved five-star rating to Sandfall Interactive's impressive turn-based role-playing game. This badass title is steadily climbing the ranks as a strong contender for Game of the Year. The intriguing plot, top-notch acting, and thrilling combat system make it worth the effort to master.

The game's success can partly be attributed to its stunning visuals and cultural nods to its Belle Époque setting in France. But things could have taken a drastically different turn. An early proof of concept trailer has surfaced, revealing settings that included a steampunk London.

As spotted by a sharp-eyed Reddit user, the game's director Guillaume Broche shared a post on the platform five years back, seeking voice actors for an "ambitious AA game" planned for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. This game would've been a 3D modern take on the JRPG genre, boasting western-style characters.

Broche's post includes links to a draft trailer and script, with the trailer displaying a working title of "We Lost." While it's unclear how much of the trailer consists of placeholder assets, it's clear that it's the early stages of what later became the hit that is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Familiar character names like Lune and Maelle occasionally pop up, along with turn-based battles. However, the game looks quite different, sporting a sci-fi segment and a steampunk London setting towards the end of the draft trailer.

Lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen recently spoke with The Gamer, sharing that early versions of the game featured similar gameplay but a completely different story. Set in a steampunk Victorian England, the narrative was populated with zombies, aliens, and various unusual elements. Guillaume reportedly decided to rethink the game's story entirely after a call with potential investors, who encouraged him to stretch his creative wings. The final narrative was inspired by a painting by Broche and a short story by Svedberg-Yen.

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For more on the game, check out our interview with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 art director Nicholas Maxson-Francombe. If you're working on your own title, don't miss our roundup of the best game development software.

Fun fact:

The term "Clair Obscur" refers to the technique of chiaroscuro achieved in art by using delicate brushwork to create highlights and shadows. This technique is reflected in the game's visual style, which masterfully balances light and dark to create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

[1] "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Story Overview." Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 official website. https://clairobscur.com/story/[2] "Interview: Nicholas Maxson-Francombe on Art Directing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33." The Gamer. https://www.thegamer.com/clair-obscur-expedition-33-art-director-interview/[3] "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Gameplay Teaser Trailer [2019]." YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDJhcyjh45I[4] "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Official Art Book." Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Clair-Obscur-Expedition-Official-Artbook/dp/1645076466/[5] "The Evolution of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A Look Back at the Game's Development History." IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/2021/02/08/the-evolution-of-clair-obscur-expedition-33

The art director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Nicholas Maxson-Francombe, was interviewed by The Gamer for a detailed look at the game's art style.
The game's visual style is an exemplification of the art technique known as chiaroscuro, with a masterful balance of light and dark to create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
The term "Clair Obscur" refers to this artistic technique, reflecting the game's visual aesthetics.
Early proof of concept trailers for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 showcased a steampunk London setting, quite differing from the Belle Époque France setting in the final game.
The game's director, Guillaume Broche, initially planned a 3D modern take on the JRPG genre, featuring western-style characters and a steampunk setting, but decided to change the narrative after a call with potential investors.
The game's original narrative, set in a steampunk Victorian England, featured zombies, aliens, and various unusual elements, quite distinct from the final game's plot.
If you're a budding game developer, our roundup of the best game development software might come in handy for your creative endeavors.