Ben Starr Believes Original IP Should Be ‘King’ in Gaming in 2026

Ben Starr, known for voice work in Fortnite, Final Fantasy 16, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is now discussing what he believes should be the focus of the video game industry moving forward.

Earlier this year, as part of a panel for Expedition 33, Starr spoke at Emerald City Comic-Con, saying he believes the industry should embrace more original IP rather than constantly circling back to the past. He had been asked about which franchises he would like to be part of next, and while he didn’t have an answer, he also believes there’s a reason Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is as critically acclaimed as it is.

‘Original IP, In 2026, Should Be King,’ Says Starr

While discussing his desire to be part of the Legacy of Kain franchise, Starr also touted the success of expedition 33 and his belief that original titles are where the games industry should focus.

“I’ve been very vocal about how I would love to be a part of the Legacy of Kain franchise. But this is a panel about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and I think the reason we’re here is because original IP, in 2026, should be king,” he said. “Of course, I would want to be a part of Legacy of Kain. It’s because of the performances that have inspired me as an actor. But I think we should be building new IPs. Not always looking back to the past.”

The games industry is in a tumultuous place in 2026. Layoffs are all too common, and the cost of game development is rising. As such, there are times when it may seem tempting to rely on proven properties to deliver. Still, there is a world of independent games that remain successful in 2026, and new characters are on the rise.

Expedition 33 was the Game of the Year in 2025, as voted by multiple outlets. Learn more about the records the game broke for the high praise it received here.

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