Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
News, coverage and analysis tracking Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"How wrong I was" – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Ben Starr told friends to keep expectations "in check" before the RPG's launch because "this isn't going to be a smash hit"
Lead actor Ben Starr expressed surprise at the immense success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game he had advised friends to keep their expectations for. Despite his initial reservations about it becoming a "smash hit," the game has become the most-awarded ever and is on track for major accolades. Starr also voiced concerns that the industry might learn the wrong lessons from its unexpected triumph.
'We are not going to pick one': Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dev confirms there's no canon ending, instead opting for a more elusive 'Schrodinger's ending'
Sandfall Interactive has confirmed that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not feature a canon ending, instead offering players a 'Schrodinger's ending' where both choices have valid narrative outcomes. Writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen stated that neither the Maelle nor Verso path is definitively 'good' or 'bad', allowing players to prioritize different perspectives.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 makes you "complicit" in moments like the RPG's first big twist, lead writer says, so you can "experience what grief feels like in this world"
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's lead writer, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, stated that Sandfall Interactive aimed to make players feel "complicit in the story" and experience grief through a major plot twist. The game's interactive nature is key to immersing players in the narrative decisions and character developments, particularly following the death of the protagonist Gustave.
AI-Generated Assets Were "Unintentionally Included" In Crimson Desert, Devs Say
Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss confirmed that AI-generated assets were unintentionally included in the final release due to experimental tools used during early development. The studio is conducting an audit to replace affected content and is strengthening internal processes to ensure greater transparency and prevent future oversights. An AI use disclosure has been added to the game's Steam page.
Capcom Reveals How It Will Use GenAI Art In Its Games: It Won't
Capcom has stated that it will not implement AI-generated assets into its video game content, though it is exploring AI technologies to improve efficiency in graphics, sound, and programming. This comes after other companies like Pearl Abyss acknowledged using AI art assets, and Nvidia's DLSS 5 showcase for Resident Evil drew criticism.
Crimson Desert developer apologizes and promises to replace AI-generated art
Pearl Abyss has apologized for including AI-generated art in its open-world RPG Crimson Desert, stating that some 2D visual props were created using experimental AI tools and not replaced before launch. The developer will conduct an audit and replace affected assets in upcoming patches, aiming for greater transparency. This follows similar controversies involving Sandfall Interactive and Embark Studios.
From Student to Master: How Clair Obscur Won Over Final Fantasy Legends
The indie JRPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has gained significant industry recognition, with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Final Fantasy VII Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi publicly praising the game. Hamaguchi even named it his game of the year for 2025, highlighting its balanced quality. This acknowledgment has led to inspiring interactions between the developers at Sandfall Interactive and the Final Fantasy team.
Crimson Desert’s AI-Generated Assets Were “Unintentionally Included,” Says Pearl Abyss
Pearl Abyss has addressed controversy surrounding the unintentional inclusion of AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert. The developer stated that these assets were part of early-stage iteration and intended to be replaced, apologizing for the lack of transparency and the oversight. Pearl Abyss is now conducting an audit to replace affected content and is reviewing internal processes to improve communication with players.
You'll Want to Pre-Order the Art Book for Award Winning PS5 RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The award-winning RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will receive an English art book, published by Pix'n Love and Udon Entertainment. Pre-orders for the standard and premium collector's editions will be available from March 23rd to May 6th, with a release date set for November 25th. The book will feature character bios, environment art, and interviews with the development team.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Art Book Arrives This November | Console Creatures
Pix'n Love and UDON Entertainment will release "The Art of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" art book in November 2026. Pre-orders for both Standard and Limited Collector's Editions open on March 23, 2026, with the latter priced at $100 USD/$139 CAD and featuring exclusive bonus items.
Crimson Desert Players Think They've Found AI-Generated Art In-Game - IGN
Players of the newly released Crimson Desert have raised concerns about potential AI-generated art assets within the game, pointing to several in-game paintings with unusual details. Developer Pearl Abyss has not yet commented on the accusations, which could violate Steam's AI Content policy if true. This follows similar controversies involving other major game titles and the use of generative AI in development.
70+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Huge Spring Sale
The PlayStation Store has launched its Spring Sale, offering discounts on over 70 PS5 and PS4 games until April 8th, 2026. The sale includes titles with a minimum 7/10 rating on Push Square, with some reaching new lowest-ever prices.
Last Chance to Buy These 70+ PS5, PS4 Games in PS Store's Huge Spring Sale
The PlayStation Store's Spring Sale is ending soon, offering significant discounts on over 70 recommended PS5 and PS4 games. The sale, which features titles with at least a 7/10 rating on Push Square, concludes on April 8th, 2026, providing a last chance for players to purchase these titles at reduced prices.
70+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Huge Spring Sale (North America/Europe)
The PlayStation Store has launched its Spring Sale, featuring numerous discounts on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games until April 8th, 2026. This guide highlights recommended titles that have received high scores, with some games reaching their lowest prices ever.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's lead writer "never even considered" a true, happy ending for the hit RPG
Lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen stated that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will not have a canon ending, with both available conclusions being equally valid. The studio intentionally avoided creating a definitive happy ending, encouraging players to engage with the game's narrative subjectivity. This approach is seen as a deliberate choice to foster discussion and contemplation within the game's universe.
I've spent eight hours exploring the Steam Spring Sale with our Games Editor, and these are the 10 best games on…
This guide highlights the best deals from the Steam Spring Sale, featuring ten recommended games available at significant discounts. The list includes titles like Control Ultimate Edition, Silent Hill f, Fallout: New Vegas, and Chivalry 2, with a focus on value and quality for PC and Steam Deck players.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 vs Caligula Effect Overdose: Why Grief Never Feels Satisfying
This analysis compares how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and The Caligula Effect: Overdose handle themes of grief and trauma, contrasting their narrative choices and character development. While both games explore characters choosing illusion over painful reality, The Caligula Effect is found to be more successful in allowing players to understand and empathize with these difficult decisions, whereas Expedition 33's handling of similar themes feels less developed.
12 GameSpot Game Of The Year Winners Are Ridiculously Cheap Right Now
Numerous GameSpot Game of the Year award winners are currently available at significant discounts during Steam's summer sale. Titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Red Dead Redemption II, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are featured with prices reduced by up to 90%.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 star worries the industry will learn the wrong lessons from the J'RPG's success: "Capitalism is unwilling to ask the why because they’re interested in the how"
Actor Ben Starr expressed concern that the video game industry might misinterpret the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, potentially leading to misguided lessons about development and capitalism. He believes the focus should be on understanding the 'why' behind its success rather than just the 'how,' which he feels is often overlooked by investors interested in cost-cutting.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs bet on the RPG's Metacritic score, but bet so low that "everybody lost," resulting in forfeits like gobbling whole roast chickens
Developers at Sandfall Interactive made internal bets on the Metacritic score for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, with the expectation of performing dares if the score exceeded their predictions. The game ultimately achieved a highly acclaimed score of 92, leading to many developers losing their bets.
