What's Happening?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive, has achieved significant success despite prevailing industry trends favoring real-time action games. The game's creative director, Guillaume Broche, notes that turn-based RPGs have faced prejudice, particularly since the rise of open-world games. While turn-based combat has seen renewed interest, real-time action games continue to dominate the market. Broche highlights the Persona series as a successful example of turn-based JRPGs, though he believes the genre still faces challenges. Expedition 33 incorporates real-time elements like parry and dodging, not to counter prejudice, but as a creative choice.
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Why It's Important?
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 underscores the potential for turn-based RPGs to thrive in a market dominated by real-time action games. It challenges the notion that turn-based mechanics are outdated or less appealing to modern gamers. The game's reception may encourage developers to explore diverse gameplay styles and innovate within the RPG genre. This development could lead to a broader acceptance of turn-based games, offering players varied experiences and expanding the industry's creative horizons.
What's Next?
The positive reception of Expedition 33 may inspire other developers to revisit turn-based mechanics and integrate them into new projects. As the gaming community continues to embrace diverse gameplay styles, there could be a resurgence of interest in turn-based RPGs. Industry stakeholders might consider balancing real-time and turn-based elements to cater to different player preferences, potentially leading to a more inclusive gaming landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The ongoing prejudice against turn-based RPGs reflects broader cultural shifts in gaming preferences and the impact of technological advancements on game design. As developers navigate these trends, they must balance innovation with tradition, ensuring that diverse gameplay styles remain accessible to players. The success of Expedition 33 highlights the importance of creative freedom and the potential for niche genres to achieve mainstream recognition.
