Behind the Curtain: A First Look at the Making of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The talented cast of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 made a special appearance on IGN Live to discuss the highly anticipated new game from Sandfall Interactive. During their appearance, they also premiered an exclusive sneak peek—a 10-minute segment—of the game’s behind-the-scenes documentary, offering fans a rare glimpse into the development process.

Inside the Development: From Motion Capture to Emotional Moments

The featured clip opens by showcasing the developers on the day before launch, capturing their anticipation and dedication. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of motion capture sessions, witnessing how key scenes, such as the emotional opening between Gustave and Sophie, were brought to life. The footage also highlights fun and candid moments, like interactions between characters Monoco and Verso, adding a personal touch to the development journey.

Insights from the Cast: Their Experiences and Emotions

In exclusive interviews, Jennifer English (Maelle), Ben Starr (Verso), Shala Nyx (Sciel), Kirsty Rider (Lune), Rich Keeble (Monoco), and Maxence Cazorla (Esquie) shared what it was like working on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

English expressed her excitement about the game’s release, saying, “We were all really thrilled. I wasn’t as stressed as the developers, but I was definitely nervous because we poured so much love and effort into it. Thankfully, it paid off.”

Starr added, “You can create anything in the studio, but once it’s out, it stops being just yours. There’s a lot of pressure involved, especially because I wanted the game to succeed for the team. We didn’t just contribute; we became part of the project.”

The Art and Craft of Voice Acting in Video Games

English also discussed her experience recording voiceovers for the game and shared insights into the world of video game acting. She joked, “I get so lonely in the booth. You have to pretend you’re talking to someone. It’s rare to have a scene with another actor in the room, so when it happens, it feels like a special honor. Acting in video games is like competing in the Olympics—if you can do well here, you can do anything.”

Impact and Emotional Connection: The Power of Voice and Story

Nyx spoke about the meaningful impact her character, Sciel, has had on players. “It’s so cinematic and rich,” she said. “Many fans have reached out to tell me how my voice and performance have helped them through depression and mental health struggles. The depth and emotion in the writing make every moment feel alive.”

The Heartfelt Significance of Video Game Characters

Starr reflected on why players become so emotionally invested in these digital characters. “The reason we cry is because there’s so much joy intertwined with the pain of losing these characters,” he explained. “They are vividly brought to life by talented actors, and if we lose them, it feels like losing a part of ourselves.”

Explore More

For additional insights, check out our full review of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and learn how the game achieved impressive sales of over 3.3 million copies within just 33 days.