The development team at Sandfall Interactive has been awarded the title of Knight under the French Order of Arts and Letters in recognition of their contributions to art and culture through their acclaimed game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Announced on LinkedIn, this prestigious honor is rarely given in the gaming industry and highlights the team's impact since the game's launch in April 2025. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has already made a significant mark by winning nine of thirteen nominations at last year's Game Awards and receiving accolades as the Game of 2025 from various outlets. The award ceremony was held at the Ministry of Culture, where the team expressed gratitude to the players and their team members who contributed to creating the immersive world of the game.
What is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 about?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an RPG that features a compelling combat system and a gripping narrative that pays homage to classic RPG styles while immersing players in a richly woven story. The game’s significant artistic accomplishments and gameplay have been pivotal in earning recognition within the gaming community and critics alike.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out in the RPG genre, with its intricate storytelling and well-developed combat mechanics appealing to both new players and veterans of the genre. The game has quickly established itself as a modern RPG classic, reflecting its inspirations while introducing innovative elements that engage players on multiple levels. This recognition from the French government not only showcases the game's artistic merit but also emphasizes the growing importance of video games in the realm of cultural achievements.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It's pretty awesome to see a game studio get a cultural honor usually reserved for more traditional arts—makes you realize how much weight a great RPG can carry nowadays. Sandfall's team must be over the moon, and honestly, it's cool that a game can earn that kind of recognition beyond just awards shows.
Man, seeing a game get knighted is wild—it really shows how far the medium has come as an art form. Sandfall Interactive absolutely deserves this for crafting something that feels both fresh and like a love letter to classic RPGs.