Nicholas Maxson-Francombe: The Visionary Art Director Behind Clair Obscur Expedition 33
In the dynamic world of video game design, few artists make a transition as seamless and impactful as Nicholas Maxson-Francombe. From the vibrant stages of live entertainment to the digital landscapes of next-gen gaming, his journey is a testament to creative adaptability and artistic vision.
As the Art Director at Sandfall Interactive, Maxson-Francombe has been instrumental in shaping the aesthetic of the highly anticipated RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. His unique perspective is redefining visual storytelling in the gaming industry.
Early Career and Artistic Foundations
Nicholas Maxson-Francombe, a Belgian artist, began his career far from the gaming world. He honed his skills as a concept artist and illustrator for stage shows, creating immersive experiences reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.
During this time, he developed a signature style that would later define his work: a dark, atmospheric take on steampunk. This unique universe, which he calls “1895 Welded Iron,” showcases his talent for blending historical aesthetics with imaginative, industrial-inspired designs.
His early work gained recognition in the art community, particularly for his digital paintings that transported viewers to a Victorian-era world reimagined with industrial machinery and fantastical elements. This distinctive aesthetic would become his calling card.
The Transition to Game Development
Maxson-Francombe’s leap into the gaming industry was a story of modern talent discovery. Guillaume Broche, the founder of Sandfall Interactive, discovered his work on ArtStation and recruited him for the ambitious Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 project.
This marked his first role in game development, a transition that came with a steep learning curve. He embraced the challenge of learning level design, set dressing, and asset placement, all while adapting to a new creative pipeline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the challenges, Maxson-Francombe found the creative freedom in game development liberating. Unlike his previous work in the event industry, games offered him the opportunity to build entire worlds with unprecedented depth and interactivity.
Creating the World of Clair Obscur Expedition 33
As Art Director, Nicholas Maxson-Francombe was tasked with creating a visually stunning world that blends the elegance of the Belle Époque with dark fantasy elements. His direction pushed the team to move beyond traditional steampunk tropes.
The game’s art style draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including the asymmetrical designs of Dishonored, the atmospheric world of BioShock, and the fantastical outfits of the Final Fantasy series. This fusion creates a truly unique visual identity.
Creative Director Guillaume Broche encouraged him to evolve beyond pure steampunk aesthetics, leading to a more fantastical approach. The result is a world that feels both familiar and entirely original, capturing the imagination of players worldwide.
Design Philosophy and Creative Vision
Maxson-Francombe’s design philosophy is rooted in a desire to break free from repetitive industry trends. He consciously avoids common fantasy clichés, aiming to create a world that feels fresh and unpredictable.
His approach involves assigning specific colors, shapes, and textures to each region of the game, ensuring that every environment offers a distinct visual experience. This meticulous attention to detail extends to character design, which evolved from scavenger-like outfits to more refined, personalized uniforms.
One of the most talked-about examples of his innovative thinking is the “Flying Waters” level—a breathtaking environment that captures the feeling of being underwater without the complexities of aquatic gameplay. He jokingly describes it as creating a realistic version of SpongeBob’s underwater world.
Each character’s uniform reflects their personality and role within the expedition, featuring distinctive flourishes that make them instantly recognizable. This attention to individual character identity helps players form deeper connections with the cast.
Technical Mastery and Tools
The artistic vision for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was brought to life using Unreal Engine 5. The engine’s powerful tools, including Metahuman for realistic character faces, allowed the team to achieve a high level of fidelity.
Maxson-Francombe and his team spent five years in dedicated development, carefully balancing their unique artistic goals with the technical capabilities of the engine. The result is a game that is both visually striking and technologically advanced.
The transition from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5 during development proved crucial, providing rendering improvements that elevated the visual quality to new heights. This technical evolution enabled the team to realize their ambitious artistic vision.
Impact and Recognition
Upon its release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received universal acclaim, selling over five million units by October 2025. The game’s success is a testament to the power of its compelling art direction.
Nicholas Maxson-Francombe’s work has not only earned him recognition within the gaming community but has also solidified his reputation as a visionary art director. His journey from the stage to the screen serves as an inspiration for artists everywhere, proving that a strong creative voice can transcend any medium.
His story demonstrates that passion, adaptability, and a willingness to take creative risks can lead to extraordinary achievements. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, artists like Maxson-Francombe remind us of the importance of maintaining artistic integrity while embracing new technologies and platforms.
