Meet Lorien Testard, composer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Family Story
There are countless soundtracks that I love—each one tied to a different time in my life, carrying memories that have shaped me.
My father worked in a video game shop when I was a baby, and he passed his love for gaming on to me. Many of my childhood memories are deeply connected to video games. I spent hours playing on the Nintendo 64, so the soundtracks of Mario Kart and Mario Party are forever engraved in my heart. As a teenager, I was completely immersed in The Legend of Zelda, a series that left the deepest mark on me. First with Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, then with Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, these games hold some of my most emotional gaming memories, as I shared them with my loved ones.
What I love most about video game music is how it follows us beyond the screen, becoming a companion to our lives, emotions, and both big and small moments. It lingers in our memories, reminding us of who we were when we first heard it and reflecting who we have become when we hear it again.
The most unforgettable soundtracks—like The Legend of Zelda—have an incredible ability to breathe life into a world, filling it with unique and deeply moving emotions. The music becomes an organic part of the adventure, shaping the experience as we journey through these universes.
It was this desire to create immersive musical worlds that inspired me to compose my first songs. I dreamed of one day bringing an entire universe to life through music.
A Life-Changing Collaboration
For a long time, I composed video game music in my free time, writing a new track each week in different styles to refine my skills. At the time, I was a guitar teacher, but once a week, I would compose and upload my work to SoundCloud. After a year, I had about fifty tracks online.
One day, I shared one of my compositions on an indie video game forum. That’s when Guillaume Broche, Game Director at Sandfall Interactive, discovered my work. He reached out and asked if I would compose the soundtrack for his game.
That moment marked the beginning of a beautiful collaboration—one that changed my life.
Shaping the Musical Identity of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
From the very start, I had a clear vision: to create an immersive musical world where every song tells a story about the game’s universe and its characters. Guillaume shared this vision. We both wanted to craft an extraordinary adventure, filled with discovery and wonder.
Since the project was still in its early stages, I had the incredible opportunity to define its musical identity from the ground up. As I discussed ideas with the team, I received concept art and parts of the script, all of which helped me imagine the sound of Clair Obscur.
Being involved so early meant that the music became an integral part of the game’s essence—a defining element of its identity.
Giving Each Character a Voice
I love all musical instruments, and for every scene and every character, I carefully select the ones that best reflect their personalities.
For example, in the themes that have already been released:
Gustave: The cello in his theme expresses what I feel for his character. I wanted to capture the love he carries for Lumière, despite the ever-present threat of the Paintress.
Monoco: I chose the saxophone as the lead melodic instrument to reflect the madness, energy, and liveliness of the Gestrals.
And then there’s one instrument with special significance in the game: the human voice, beautifully brought to life by Alice Duport-Percier.
Voice is at the heart of Expedition 33’s music—almost as if it were the voice of the world itself. It plays a unique role in shaping the game’s story and atmosphere, carrying deep emotions and meaning.
I’ve already seen some interpretations of the game’s lyrics, and it’s always fascinating to read how listeners connect with the music in their own way. The lyrics are sometimes clear, sometimes shrouded in mystery, and I’m eager to see how players will interpret them and shape their own experiences through the music.
I Loved Every Second
This project has been an incredible journey, spanning years of work and dedication. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with amazing people and friends.
I don’t yet know how the music will resonate with players, but what I do know is that I loved every second of creating it. I gave everything—I have no regrets. I poured my heart and soul into it, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created.
The full soundtrack will be released alongside the game on April 24, 2025. It has been a part of my life for so long, and it’s hard to express how much it means to finally share this music with you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart—for listening, for embracing the game and its music, for making it part of your own journey. I can’t wait for you to experience it.
-Lorien
