Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Devs Knighted by France for Gaming Achievement
- Sagar Mankar
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Sandfall Interactive has received one of France’s most prestigious cultural honors, the Order of Arts and Letters, for its acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The award, presented by the Ministry of Culture, recognizes individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the influence of arts and literature both in France and internationally.
The studio shared the news on LinkedIn, writing, “From Expeditioners to Knights! We were received yesterday at the Ministry of Culture to celebrate our game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. As such, the members of Sandfall Interactive were awarded the Order of Arts and Letters. This distinction honors us, and our deepest thanks go especially to our team who shaped this world and to the millions of players who have brought it to life. We hope that our journey will inspire all those who wish to take the plunge and create their own work.”
The Order of Arts and Letters, or Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, was formally established in 1957, though its roots trace back centuries. The Ministry of Culture notes that the Order of Saint Michael, created in 1469, can be considered its precursor. Initially reserved for aristocracy, it evolved into a recognition of civil merit, honoring artists, architects, and writers. Later, Napoleon’s Academic Palms carried forward this tradition until the modern form of the Order was finalized in the mid-20th century.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become a cultural touchstone in France, much like The Witcher in Poland. French President Emmanuel Macron has praised the game multiple times, calling it “a shining example of French audacity and creativity” and “a source of great pride for Montpellier and for France.”
Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, also emphasized its impact, stating, “Through its scale and the enthusiasm it has generated from both the public and critics, this game establishes itself as a major milestone. By honouring its team, the Republic affirms: videogames are a major art form and an essential industry.”
Sandfall Interactive now joins an elite group of gaming luminaries who have received the Order, including Michel Ancel, Peter Molyneux, and Shigeru Miyamoto.
The studio was recognized as "Knights of the Order," a rank that comes with an eight-pointed silver medallion. While Officers and Commanders represent higher distinctions, Knights can advance after five years if they continue contributing meaningfully to French culture.
This recognition caps off an incredible run for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has officially sold 5 million copies to date. The game has already swept major honors, including a historic nine awards at The Game Awards 2025, among them Game of the Year.