Belle Époque RPG games are taking the gaming world by storm, and the fascinating connection between Lies of P and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proves just how powerful this artistic period can be in video game storytelling. When Sandfall Interactive’s CEO Guillaume Broche played Round8 Studio’s masterpiece, it changed everything for his team’s approach to their own Belle Époque-inspired adventure.
The Belle Époque Connection That Started It All
Both games draw heavily from the Belle Époque period in French history, a time when architecture, art, and technology reached expressive prominence. Lies of P, released in 2023, established itself as one of the finest soulslike games ever created, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged in 2025 as a GOTY frontrunner with its innovative turn-based combat system.
The connection became personal when Broche spent “hundreds of hours” playing through Lies of P during Expedition 33’s development. “When I played Lies of P I was like ‘Wow, ok, this looks absolutely stunning, so we have to up our game first,'” Broche admitted in a recent interview alongside Lies of P’s game director Choi Ji-won.
How Lies of P Influenced Expedition 33’s Development
The influence wasn’t just inspirational – it was transformational. Broche revealed that seeing Hotel Krat in Lies of P made him panic about similarities to their own game’s manor. “When I arrived in Hotel Krat, I was like ‘This is exactly what we have in our game!’ We also had a record player and there’s a record player in Hotel Krat, and I was like ‘People will think we have copied!'”
This realization pushed Sandfall Interactive to completely reimagine their approach. The stellar art direction and positive reception of Lies of P validated that Belle Époque RPG games had massive potential, but it also meant the bar was set incredibly high.
What Makes These Belle Époque RPG Games Special
The Belle Époque period offers game developers a unique aesthetic playground that’s rarely explored in gaming. Both titles showcase:
- Stunning architectural designs inspired by late 19th-century French elegance
- Sophisticated art direction that blends historical accuracy with fantasy elements
- Complex storytelling that mirrors the cultural sophistication of the era
- Innovative gameplay mechanics that feel both classic and revolutionary
Lies of P transformed the Pinocchio story into a dark soulslike adventure, while Expedition 33 created a turn-based RPG with real-time combat elements that feels completely fresh.
The Gaming Impact and Critical Success
The success of both Belle Époque RPG games proves that players are hungry for unique artistic visions. Lies of P reached 7 million players by March 2024, while Expedition 33 quickly established itself as one of the best turn-based RPGs ever made.
Both games feature combat systems that feel revolutionary within their respective genres. Lies of P’s weapon assembly system and perfect parrying mechanics create intense soulslike action, while Expedition 33’s real-time dodging and parrying within turn-based combat breaks new ground entirely.
The Future of Belle Époque Gaming
The collaborative spirit between these development teams shows how Belle Époque RPG games can inspire entire creative movements. With Lies of P’s “Overture” expansion released in June 2025 and Expedition 33 leading GOTY discussions, this artistic period is proving to be a goldmine for innovative game design.
The friendly competition and mutual respect between Round8 Studio and Sandfall Interactive demonstrates how shared inspiration can elevate the entire gaming industry. Both studios are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when historical periods meet modern gaming technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Belle Époque period that inspires these games?
The Belle Époque was a period in French history from the late 19th century to World War I, characterized by cultural prosperity, artistic innovation, and technological advancement. It’s perfect for game settings because of its elegant architecture and sophisticated aesthetic.
Are Lies of P and Expedition 33 connected story-wise?
No, they’re completely separate games with different stories. However, both share the Belle Époque aesthetic inspiration and their developers have collaborated on interviews discussing their shared vision.
Which game should I play first if I’m interested in Belle Époque RPG games?
It depends on your preference. Lies of P offers challenging soulslike action combat, while Expedition 33 provides strategic turn-based gameplay with real-time elements. Both are excellent entry points into Belle Époque gaming.
How did Lies of P influence Expedition 33’s development?
Expedition 33’s developers spent hundreds of hours playing Lies of P and were inspired to “up their game” after seeing its stunning Belle Époque art direction and positive reception from players and critics.
What makes these Belle Époque RPG games different from other fantasy RPGs?
They ground their fantasy elements in a specific historical period, creating unique aesthetics that blend real-world elegance with imaginative storytelling. This creates a distinctive atmosphere that stands out from typical medieval fantasy settings.
Are there more Belle Époque RPG games in development?
While specific projects haven’t been announced, the success of both Lies of P and Expedition 33 suggests that developers are likely exploring this rich historical period for future games. Both studios have sequels or expansions in the works.
Conclusion
The collaboration and mutual inspiration between Lies of P and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demonstrates how Belle Époque RPG games are creating a new subgenre that combines historical elegance with innovative gameplay. These titles prove that when developers draw from sophisticated artistic periods, they can create gaming experiences that feel both timeless and cutting-edge, setting new standards for creativity in the RPG space.