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

The indie darling that took the gaming world by storm, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has sold over 4.4 million units since its launch in April 2025 and is considered a strong candidate for Game of the Year. Its unique turn-based combat, inspired by classic JRPGs, and its breathtaking Belle Époque art style have captivated players and critics alike. Developer Sandfall Interactive has confirmed that the hit RPG is just the first in a new franchise, and speculation is now running wild about the next installment. However, recent rumors and fan theories suggest that the sequel could take a drastic and melancholic turn, leaving players emotionally “blue” and facing a very different kind of challenge.

While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 deals with heavy themes of grief, loss, and the nature of reality, its core narrative is ultimately a hopeful one. The surviving members of the expedition are on a quest to defeat the Paintress and end the Gommage, the process by which people of a certain age are annually erased. The game’s ending, while offering different resolutions, points to a potential path toward a better future for the world of Lumiere. However, insiders and community theorists believe the next game could delve into the darker side of the “Painters” and “Writers,” focusing on the destructive power of art and memory.

The Unspoken Side of the Canvas: The “Writers”

The current game focuses on the Painters, a family with the ability to bring their art to life. The main antagonist, the Paintress, is an avatar of Aline, a Painter who trapped herself in a canvas to cope with the loss of her son, Verso. The lore, however, also heavily alludes to another guild with a different set of powers: the “Writers.” While the Painters’ art is visual and physical, the Writers’ power lies in storytelling and the ability to manipulate reality through written words. Rumors suggest that the next game in the Clair Obscur franchise will shift focus to this mysterious group.

• A Shift in Tone and Gameplay: A game centered on the Writers could lead to a significant change in both narrative and gameplay. While Expedition 33’s combat is fast-paced and action-oriented with its real-time mechanics, a sequel focusing on the Writers could be slower, more strategic, and more dialogue-heavy. Players might have to manipulate events through written commands or solve puzzles that require them to alter the narrative of the game world.
• The “Blue” Aesthetic: The title “Clair Obscur,” meaning “light-dark,” is a key part of the franchise’s identity. Expedition 33‘s world is full of vibrant, baroque colors. However, leaks and fan art for the supposed sequel suggest a much more somber, “blue” aesthetic. This could be a symbolic shift to reflect a more serious and somber tone, delving into themes of depression, mental illness, and the tragic consequences of unchecked power. The “blue” color palette could represent not just sadness but also a focus on a cold, logical world, lacking the warm, vibrant chaos of the Painters.
• A New Protagonist: Instead of the hopeful Maëlle, the next game could feature a more tragic protagonist, perhaps a descendant of the Dessendre family who is struggling with their powers. The story could explore the dark history of the Writers, their war with the Painters, and how they have manipulated events from behind the scenes, creating a new and formidable threat for the franchise.

A Direct Contrast to Expedition 33’s Success

The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a testament to its unique visual style and engaging combat. However, a follow-up that changes the genre and tone could be a risk. The current game has received universal acclaim and a massive, enthusiastic fanbase. A sequel that veers away from its established formula could alienate those who fell in love with its predecessor. On the other hand, a bold new direction could also be a sign of a creative studio confident in its ability to tell a compelling story, regardless of the gameplay and aesthetic changes.

The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and developers often take risks to avoid stagnation. From indie studios like Sandfall Interactive to major publishers, the move towards creating a franchise with diverse entries is a growing trend. The possibility of the next Clair Obscur game focusing on the Writers’ more melancholy and manipulative world is an exciting prospect for those who love deep, narrative-driven RPGs. While it might have fans feeling blue, it could be for all the right, emotionally resonant reasons.