Original ip outperforms sequels? ben starr fuels 2026 debate
The entertainment industry's reliance on sequels and established franchises is facing a quiet challenge, one voiced with surprising intensity by actor Ben Starr. Riding high on the success of 2025’s breakout RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Starr has publicly declared that “original IP should reign in 2026,” sparking a conversation about creative risk and the industry’s obsession with the familiar.
Starr's revelation at emerald city comic-con
During a panel at the Emerald City Comic-Con 2026, Starr, known for his role as Verso in Expedition 33 and previously recognized for his performance in Final Fantasy XVI, didn’t simply field fan questions. He used the platform to critique the prevailing trend of prioritizing sequels over fresh concepts. The actor’s comments, delivered with a palpable frustration, resonated with many in the audience.
While acknowledging the enduring success of titles like Resident Evil, Starr argued that the industry needed to move beyond a constant rehash of the past. His position isn't rooted in some abstract idealism; it stems from experiencing firsthand the power of a compelling original story. What’s particularly interesting is Starr's own appreciation for legacy franchises. He openly admitted his passion for the cult classic Legacy of Kain, even expressing a desire to participate in a potential revival—a sentiment that underscores his nuanced perspective.
“It’s not about dismissing those established universes, not at all,” Starr clarified. “Look at Resident Evil—it’s thriving after over two decades. But even Capcom had to reinvent it years ago to achieve that continued success. I'd rather be in the next Clair Obscur. We’re creating characters, building worlds from scratch… That’s what we should be aspiring to.”
Independent studios lead the charge
The actor’s remarks arrive at a critical juncture. AAA game releases continue to skew heavily towards sequels, remakes, and even updated ports of titles from just a few years ago. But the landscape is shifting. Starr rightly points out that independent studios are increasingly driving the push for original ideas, demonstrating that creative risk can yield significant rewards. As Gabe Newell himself discovered at Valve in 2011, stifling creativity is a recipe for stagnation.
Expedition 33, developed by a smaller studio, isn't just a gaming phenomenon; it's a career-defining moment for Starr and a potent symbol of the potential of original narratives. His words aren’t a call for the wholesale abandonment of established franchises, but rather a plea for balance—a recognition that the future of entertainment depends on nurturing new stories, not just revisiting old ones. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proves that audiences are hungry for something new, something unexpected, and that the most compelling stories are often the ones that haven’t been told before.