In an intriguing twist of game development, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's inclusion of an easy difficulty setting can be traced back to a personal request from Jennifer English, the voice actor behind the character Maelle. English, known for her role in Baldur's Gate 3, openly admitted that she wanted to experience the game but doubted her ability to tackle its standard difficulty. Her candid appeal to the developers at Sandfall Interactive led to the creation of Story Mode, a more accessible option for players like her.

This revelation came to light during a live stream on the Twitch channel JenandAliona, where English and Baldur's Gate 3 Performance Director Aliona Baranova shared behind-the-scenes insights. Baranova confirmed, "That is the reason there's an easy mode." The playful nickname "Jennifer English Memorial Mode" coined by fellow actor Ben Starr only added to the charm of this development anecdote.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers three distinct difficulty levels to cater to diverse player preferences:

• Story Mode: Tailored for narrative enthusiasts, this mode reduces enemy damage and extends reaction windows for mechanics like dodging and parrying.
• Expedition Mode: The standard difficulty, balancing challenge and accessibility for most players.
• Expert Mode: Designed for veterans seeking a punishing, soulslike experience.

Additionally, the game features high-level optional areas for those craving extreme challenges. This tiered approach ensures that both casual gamers and hardcore RPG fans can enjoy the game’s rich storytelling and strategic combat.

The inclusion of an easy mode in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reignites the perennial debate about difficulty in video games. While some argue that games should maintain a single, uncompromising difficulty to preserve the intended experience, others advocate for customizable settings to accommodate different skill levels and playstyles. Recent trends, such as Lies of P introducing difficulty options, suggest a growing acceptance of accessibility in traditionally challenging genres.

Jennifer English's request highlights an important aspect of modern game design: inclusivity. Not all players seek the same experience—some prioritize immersion in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s profound story, while others thrive on overcoming the game's toughest bosses. By offering multiple difficulty options, Sandfall Interactive has broadened the game's appeal without diluting its core identity.