- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developers are facing a big technical challenge in creating a version for the Nintendo Switch 2, as it is not as powerful as the PlayStation or Xbox Series X.
- Many features on Unreal Engine 5, the technology behind the game, do not work on the Switch 2.
- Updates from Epic regarding Unreal Engine, such as Lumen Lite, are being considered to address these challenges, but implementation will take time.
- The director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 prefers linear JRPGs over Western RPGs like Skyrim and Fallout, stating they allow for a stronger story and more memorable characters.
- He believes that in Japanese RPGs, the linear storytelling allows for a more focused narrative compared to the choices available in Western RPGs.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 director discusses the significant technical challenges faced while developing for the Nintendo Switch 2, stating, "It's a big technical challenge because we tried to do something beautiful with the game, but of course, the Switch 2 is not as powerful as the PlayStation or the Xbox Series X."14
The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5, which presents additional hurdles, as many features do not function on the Switch 2. The director noted, "a lot of features on Unreal Engine 5 - the tech the game is built on - don't work on Switch 2."2
Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic, saying, "We are interested in looking for a way to do it, but it's too early for us to announce anything at this point."
In terms of storytelling, the director prefers linear JRPGs over the expansive narratives typical of Western RPGs. He explained, "RPG is a very big term that includes a wide variety of games, but when I consider Western RPGs, I think more of games like Baldur's Gate, Fallout, or Skyrim, where the character you play changes the story and you kind of become the protagonist yourself."
He appreciates the linearity of JRPGs, stating, "the story being told is quite linear," which allows for stronger storytelling and memorable characters. He elaborated, "In JRPGs, you do get some smaller choices, but in general, the story is linear, the ending is the ending, and the beginning is the beginning, from A to Z."
“The director highlights that the Switch 2's limitations pose a significant hurdle for implementing features from Unreal Engine 5, which are crucial for the game's aesthetics. He emphasizes that while Western RPGs focus on player choice, he values the linear storytelling of JRPGs for creating memorable characters and narratives.”
Eurogamer.net
