How a video game about grief became a breakout hit

By Ahmad Damen,

Vincent Acovino, Juana Summers

Published January 16, 2026 at 4:04 PM EST

Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, lead writer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, explains how the team made a grief-centered story resonate with a wide audience.

Ahmad Damen

Ahmad Damen is an editor for All Things Considered based in Washington, D.C. He first joined NPR's and WBUR's Here & Now as an editor in 2024. Damen brings more than 15 years of experience in journalism, with roles spanning six countries.

Vincent Acovino

Juana Summers

Juana Summers is a co-host of NPR's All Things Considered, alongside Ailsa Chang, Ari Shapiro and Mary Louise Kelly. She joined All Things Considered in June 2022.

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How a video game about grief became a breakout hit

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

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with your gift right now.