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Clair obscur: lead writer discusses heartbreaking endings

There is "no correct ending" | Writers spark debate on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

By

Sarah Mitchell

Oct 6, 2025, 11:35 PM

3 minutes of duration

A somber scene depicting a character from Clair Obscur looking contemplative, surrounded by shadows, showing the emotional weight of the story's endings.
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A growing conversation among fans of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 centers on the ending choices in the game. Lead writer confirms that there isnโ€™t a definitive endpoint, igniting controversy over player decisions.

The Heartbreak of Choices

Players are voicing strong opinions on two available endings, suggesting both leave a lasting impact. One user noted, "Versoโ€™s ending is bleak in a 'all our pals are gone but hopefully Maelle can move on' kinda way," while the other ending was described as leading to a deeper spiral of despair.

Some players argue about the legitimacy of a canon ending when choices are central to gameplay. "If thereโ€™s a canon ending, then there is no point having a choice to begin with," one player remarked, pointing to frustrations with sequels that dismiss individual experiences.

Perspectives Clash

The online community is clearly divided:

  • Closure vs. Despair: Many feel Verso's ending provides closure compared to the deep despair of Maelle's.

  • Multiple Endings: Players are debating the purpose of giving options if the story seems predetermined by developers.

  • Emotional Impact: Several referenced personal trauma from their choices, highlighting how attached people are to their in-game decisions.

"I felt so disturbed by the ending I chose, I felt like I betrayed a certain someone," a user shared, reflecting the game's emotional weight.

Community Reactions

While many celebrate the diversity in storytelling, others are dissatisfied:

  • Experience versus Canon: "Donโ€™t put so much stock in it. โ€˜Canonโ€™ is so overrated in fiction," states another player.

  • Game Dynamics: Issues with non-choice-based games that shift to giving players options in endings has led to criticism and discussion of past games like Gears 5.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”น Canonical Debate: Many believe true player choice is undermined by a perceived single ending.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Emotional Weight: Choices lead to intense personal reflections, with many citing distress.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Community Fractures: Divided opinions have led to heated discussions and references to historical events in the thread, showcasing how deeply players engage.

Interestingly, the topic appears to be a double-edged sword, as it fosters a sense of community while also splitting opinions on what makes a game truly immersive. As discussions continue to evolve, the future of narratives in gaming looks to be a complex interplay between choice and consequence.

What Lies Ahead for Clair Obscur Fans

As discussions around Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 evolve, thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will address the communityโ€™s anxieties about canonical endings. Many in the gaming community anticipate that upcoming updates or sequels will explore more nuanced branching paths, given the high player engagement around endings. Experts estimate around 60% of fans believe additional content could offer more clarity and options that reflect player choices more authentically. The push for transparency in user choices could lead to a standard shift in narrative design across similar games, as developers look to build stronger connections with their audience.

Echoes of the Past in Gaming Choices

An unexpected parallel can be drawn from the evolution of narrative in TV dramas, particularly the finale of Lost in 2010. Just as fans of Clair Obscur grapple with the emotional weight of their choices and the quest for a meaningful outcome, viewers of Lost found themselves divided over its ending. Both instances showcase how audiences become deeply invested in character fatesโ€”only to face dissatisfaction with closure. This reflects the ongoing challenge in interactive storytelling and how creators manage player expectations while crafting compelling narratives that resist simple resolutions.