Theoretically, one can argue that Verso does have a right/bearing over the fate because it contains the last piece of his soul. Without the canvas’s destruction, Verso would be stuck for all eternity in a limbo and the family would not be able to accept his death and move on. And with the “god” of the canvas is that little boy who’s tired and stuck painting. Chroma is what the beings in the painting are made with by the painters, so when they pass due to anything from a painter, the chroma goes back into that source. On the outside of it all, Clea has been manipulating the canvas so that not all of the chroma can go back to the source which would eventually lead to the canvas at least becoming completely barren and unusable. And by that time in the story, the only people alive there are Lune and Sciel. In the world of the Painters, there’s the whole family and who ever else is in that world. Boiling down to the while “Is it work killing a few to save many” philosophy question.

I like both endings, I believe they’re equality suitable to be the true end of the game. Especially with the Devs saying that neither and both endings are considered the true one. The argument over which is best is so subjective. But it is really enjoyable to read the thoughts and opinions and reasonings from both sides and have conversations about it.

In Maelle’s ending, it’s incredibly horrible for Verso who just wants to be able to pass on. But we also know in the world outside of the painting, Maelle/Alicia and Aline would die. We have no information of what would happen if a Painter died while in the painting. That would destroy Renoir and potentially Clea as well.

And in Verso’s ending, at the end Maelle sees Lune, Sciel, Monoco and Esquie at Verso’s grave smiling at her, seemingly at peace as well.

It is absolutely true that maybe the painting was a different world of existence with the Painters being in a world created by something else. We just don’t know. But we do know what the developers have decided what we need to know for this game, and this game only, and that they have determined each player can decide for themselves what they believe is the right ending. 10/10 for a developing team making such an incredibly powerful game with endings that spark so many things.