With its nine trophies, Chiaroscuro has surpassed giants such as Hades 2, Death Stranding 2 Or silk song. The studio, founded in Montpellier, had already caused a sensation in April with a simultaneous launch on Game Pass, opposite Oblivion Remastered. Against all expectations, the French title has established itself as an essential.
By the fall, sales reached 5 million copies. Macron was already enthusiastic at the start of this ascent: “A million copies and, to this day, one of the highest rated games in history: and yes, it is French! Congratulations to Sandfall Interactive and all the creators of Expedition 33. You are a shining example of French audacity and creativity.”
Official recognition after a past controversy
The presidential support did not fail to challenge. In 2023, during the urban riots, Macron accused video games and social networks of poisoning youth. This weekend, he wanted to clarify his position: “I have always considered that video games are an opportunity for France, for our youth, and their future, for our jobs and our economy.”
He said he had pointed out the recovery of certain events: “I expressed concerns at the end of June because video game conventions had been used by criminals to trivialize violence on social networks”. “It is this violence that I condemn, not the video games themselves,” he added.
A creative victory hailed on stage
During the ceremony, director Guillaume Broche thanked his team and the online creators: “To the people who make tutorials on YouTube to learn how to create a game, because we had absolutely no idea how to do it at the start,” he confided, visibly moved.
The studio took advantage of this victory to launch a new DLC live as well as a patch 1.5.0, bringing new bosses and a new area, Verso’s Drafts. New proof that Clair Obscur has not finished shining, and that French video games have definitely changed dimension.
Clair Obscur: a cultural symbol praised by Macron
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has just been voted Game of the Year in Los Angeles. A historic first for a French title!” Macron said on Instagram, adding: “Great pride for Montpellier and for France. Congratulations to the Sandfall Interactive team. For future generations!”