Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Director Shares Lack of Nintendo Experience Growing Up

Rethinking Gaming Influences: A New Perspective

While many enthusiasts argue that a childhood filled with classic Nintendo games is essential for producing exceptional video games, this notion is increasingly challenged by industry figures. For example, Guillaume Broch, the director of the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, surprisingly reveals that he didn’t grow up playing Nintendo titles at all.

Director’s Unique Gaming Background

In a recent interview with the Japanese outlet DenfamiNicoGamer, Broch, who is also the CEO of Sandfall Interactive, mentioned that his formative gaming experiences were shaped by series such as Final Fantasy, Atelier, Devil May Cry, and a specific entry from SEGA’s Shinobi series on PlayStation 2. Notably, he is not alone in this experience; Ben Fiquet, the art and creative director at Lizardcube—the studio behind successful titles like Streets of Rage 4—shares a similar background, having never owned a Nintendo console during his childhood.

The European Perspective: A Different Gaming Landscape

This revelation may come as a shock, particularly to North American gamers who have typically viewed Nintendo as a cornerstone of gaming culture. However, in Europe, many gamers grew up with home computers like the Commodore Amiga and favored SEGA systems such as the 8-bit Master System. This broader gaming ecosystem has fostered a diverse range of influences, challenging the stereotype that only Nintendo experiences can lead to successful game creation.

A Personal Reflection on Nintendo’s Impact

While my own childhood included significant time spent on Nintendo systems during the late 80s and early 90s, particularly after discovering the arcade version of Super Mario Bros. in 1989, it is clear that personal gaming history varies widely. Despite begging my parents for an NES and later an SNES, which many of my peers did not own, the success of directors like Broch and Fiquet illustrates that rich gaming experiences can emerge from a multitude of platforms and genres.

Why You Should Experience Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

If you have an affinity for JRPGs and have yet to delve into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, now is the time. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this title stands as a testament to the idea that impactful and innovative games can arise from a variety of gaming backgrounds. It is undoubtedly one of the standout releases of the current console generation.

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