How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Was Written – Jennifer Svedberg-Yen on Life, Characters & Story

In this heartfelt and revealing episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. We dive deep into her creative process, her unique path from finance to storytelling, and the emotional, philosophical, and human layers that make Expedition 33 such a profound experience.Jennifer opens up about her multicultural background, the power of empathy in storytelling, and how curiosity, hardship, and connection shape the way she writes. We also explore how she handles exposition, builds authentic characters, and creates narratives that truly resonate with players — all without ever underestimating their intelligence.Whether you're a writer, game developer, or a fan of thoughtful storytelling, this conversation is packed with insights, vulnerability, and inspiration.📍 Topics we discuss:Her journey from Wall Street to game writingWriting characters with emotional depthBuilding story through empathy and subtextWhat success feels like after a major releaseHer creative inspirations across games, books, and lifeAnd of course, our signature segment: Penny for Your Thoughts🎮 Games mentioned: Expedition 33, Disco Elysium, Hollow Knight, God of War, Stray, Baldur’s Gate 3, Inscryption, Elden Ring, Subnautica, and more.📣 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with the brilliant minds behind your favorite stories in film, games, and beyond.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & life before the interview02:30 – Processing the success of Expedition 3305:20 – Fan reactions and emotional impact07:50 – Jennifer’s childhood and early love for storytelling13:00 – Career journey: from finance to games18:10 – Meeting Sandfall Interactive & joining the team22:50 – Empathy, character depth, and writing philosophy30:10 – Legacy and the message behind “For those who come after”32:10 – Writing exposition without handholding37:00 – 💭 Penny for Your Thoughts segment begins41:20 – Fun hobbies and unexpected inspirations45:00 – Favorite games & storytelling influences48:20 – Fears as a writer & character-driven storytelling52:40 – What she hopes people remember about her writing54:10 – Favorite games in terms of narrative59:40 – Final thoughts & closing remarks#expedition33 #GameWriting #podcast