What's Happening?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive, has achieved significant success, surprising many due to the current market's preference for real-time action games. The game's creative director, Guillaume Broche, noted that turn-based RPGs, particularly Japanese ones, have faced prejudice since the rise of open-world games. Despite the success of games like the Persona series, Broche believes that turn-based RPGs are still considered 'uncool' by some. He emphasized that the inclusion of real-time elements in Clair Obscur was not a response to this prejudice but a creative choice.
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Why It's Important?
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 highlights a potential shift in gaming preferences, suggesting that there is still a market for turn-based RPGs despite the dominance of real-time action games. This could influence game developers to reconsider the balance between turn-based and real-time mechanics in future projects. The discussion around the prejudice against turn-based games also sheds light on broader industry trends and consumer preferences, which could impact the types of games produced and marketed.
What's Next?
As turn-based RPGs continue to find success, developers may explore innovative ways to integrate these mechanics into new games, potentially leading to a resurgence of the genre. The industry might see more hybrid games that blend turn-based and real-time elements, appealing to a wider audience. Additionally, the conversation around gaming preferences could lead to more diverse offerings in the market, catering to different player interests.
Beyond the Headlines
The ongoing debate about turn-based versus real-time games touches on cultural and historical aspects of gaming, particularly the influence of Japanese RPGs. This discussion may prompt a reevaluation of what constitutes 'cool' in gaming, potentially leading to a broader acceptance of diverse game styles. The success of Clair Obscur could also inspire smaller studios to pursue ambitious projects, knowing that niche genres can still achieve mainstream success.
