Shared Inspirations in Gaming
The gaming landscape of 2023 has witnessed the emergence of two remarkable titles, Lies of P and Clair Obscur Expedition 33, each carving its niche while drawing from a common well of inspiration. While one is a challenging cousin of the renowned Dark Souls series, the other embraces a strategic, turn-based gameplay style. Both games are steeped in the rich aesthetics of the Belle Époque era, a time in French history marked by a flourishing of architecture, art, and technology.
In a recent dialogue between Choi Ji-won, the game director of Lies of P, and Guillaume Broche, CEO of Sandfall Interactive, Broche expressed how the release of Lies of P prompted his studio to elevate their own creative ambitions. He noted that the acclaim surrounding Lies of P “validated” the vision they had for Expedition 33, which has quickly established itself as a leading contender for Game of the Year as awards season approaches.
Expedition 33 stands out not only for its dynamic combat system and soaring soundtrack but also for its captivating storytelling and stunning visual representation of French culture. Broche shared his initial reaction to Lies of P, particularly its portrayal of the Belle Époque aesthetic. “We had the same way of thinking, like ‘Belle Époque is kind of unique, it’s not explored that much in games,'” he remarked. Upon experiencing Lies of P, he was struck by the beauty of Hotel Krat, which resonated with elements present in Expedition 33’s own design.
As development progressed, Broche found himself in a position of both admiration and concern. “When [Lies of P] came out, the manor, at this point in development, was still the hub of the game,” he explained. “And I was like, ‘People will think we have copied!'” Despite these initial jitters, Broche found encouragement in the success of Lies of P, appreciating the positive reception of its art style and overall execution. His admiration for Round8’s work is evident, as he admitted to having “played it for hundreds of hours.”
Conversely, Ji-won reflected on aspects of Lies of P that he wished had embraced a bolder approach, particularly in their use of architectural and cultural motifs from the Belle Époque. “When I saw how [Sandfall] audaciously used iconic French landmarks—a ruined Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde—I felt a sense of lingering regret, thinking ‘We should’ve been bolder,'” he confessed. He noted that their cautious approach stemmed from a desire not to offend French sensibilities.
Broche lightened the mood by joking about some of the cultural elements in Expedition 33, such as the “baguette outfits,” suggesting that their execution would be best left to the French themselves. This exchange highlights the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two directors, who take pride in the shared DNA of their games, despite their differing gameplay styles.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the outcome of the upcoming awards season, the conversation between Ji-won and Broche serves as a reminder of the vibrant creativity and collaboration that define the industry. Whether players are drawn to the challenging world of Lies of P or the strategic depth of Expedition 33, both titles contribute to a rich tapestry of gaming experiences in 2023.
