Behind The Voice Expedition 33 Game Director Reveals The Secret of The Game's Storytelling
Jul 18, 2025
Guillaume Broche, the Game Director of Claire Obscur / Expedition 33, shares his insights into the intricate storytelling of the game. He dives into the emotional impact of the opening prologue and the iterative changes that shaped the gameplay flow. Guillaume discusses the innovative use of lighting and music to enhance cutscenes, along with the unique casting and direction of mocap actors. He also highlights the significance of character deaths, the ambiguity of the endings, and how trials add emotional depth to the experience. A must-listen for gaming enthusiasts!
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Prologue Rediscovered Through Players
- Guillaume says the Lumiere prologue moved players to tears even though the team had grown numb to it from repetition.
- The strong player reaction let the team rediscover and validate the emotional intent of the cutscene.
Design Lighting Before Cameras
- Guillaume always designs lighting first to convey mood and then places music, cameras, and acting around that choice.
- Use colorimetry and cinematography early because lighting can carry emotion as strongly as acting and music.
Improvisation Shaped Key Takes
- Guillaume auditioned actors and chose Maxence and Estelle for their ability to take direction and improvise in mocap sessions.
- Estelle improvised a line in the Gommage scene that became part of the final performance.