The Watery Design of Clair Obscur: Artistic Freedom and Inspiration
Nicholas Maxson-Francombe, art director on Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, shares his creative process and inspirations behind the game’s unique art direction.
The Move to Unreal Engine 5
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 helped the team achieve realistic character faces, thanks to the power of Metahuman. However, with more games using the same powerful tools and engines, there’s a risk of games looking similar. "Maybe more games are going to be realistic, because it’s kind of became easier to do," says Tom Guillermin, CTO and co-founder of Sandfall.
Steampunk and Victorian Influences
Initially, the team drew inspiration from steampunk and the Victorian era. However, they soon shifted towards a more fantastical approach, incorporating elements of Final Fantasy. "I needed to try to find a mix between something like that and something a bit more modern," Nicholas explains.
Artistic Freedom and Inspiration
Nicholas emphasizes the importance of creative freedom in game development. "I try to look at landscapes that haven’t really been explored before," he says. "Like if you had an underwater level that’s not underwater." He cites Arkane Studios’ Dishonored and Bioshock as influences on the game’s design.
Conclusion
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s unique art direction is a result of the team’s creative freedom and willingness to experiment. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 has allowed for realistic character faces, while its fantastical approach sets it apart from other titles. As the game receives positive feedback, it’s clear that the team has achieved their goal of creating something unique.
FAQs
Q: What inspired the art direction of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
A: The team drew inspiration from steampunk and the Victorian era, as well as Final Fantasy and other games.
Q: How did the transition to Unreal Engine 5 affect the game’s design?
A: The new engine allowed for realistic character faces, thanks to Metahuman, but also raised concerns about the homogenization of game styles.
Q: What’s the goal of the game’s art direction?
A: To create something unique and stand out in a sea of similar-looking titles.
Q: How does the game’s design differ from other titles?
A: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features a fantastical, dream-like quality, with elements like underwater levels that aren’t actually underwater.
