French President Celebrates Historic Wins for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly congratulated Sandfall Interactive for their role-playing game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which achieved a historic milestone by winning nine awards at The Game Awards 2025. This includes the prestigious title of Game of the Year, marking the first time a French game has received this honor. The game also secured awards for Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Performance (for Jennifer English), Best Role-Playing Game, Best Independent Game, and Best Debut Indie Game. The game was nominated for a total of 13 categories, setting a record for the most nominations in the event's history.

‘Great pride for France’: President congratulates Clair Obscur after historic night at The Game AwardsFrench President publicly congratulates Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, calling the Game of The Year win "a historic first"French President congratulates Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a second time after the RPG's record-breaking awards haul: "For future generations and those that follow"New York Times

In his announcement on Instagram, Macron expressed great pride in the achievement, stating, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has just been named Game of the Year in Los Angeles. A historic first for a French title! Great pride for Montpellier and for France." He previously recognized the game’s success in May, highlighting its sales of over one million copies and its status as one of the highest-rated games. Sandfall Interactive responded to their success by thanking players and acknowledging the transformative impact of the awards on their lives.

‘Great pride for France’: President congratulates Clair Obscur after historic night at The Game Awards

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Montpellier-based Sandfall Interactive, features a unique narrative involving a mythical paintress and demonic mimes, complemented by an orchestral soundtrack. The game's development team was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic through online forums, culminating in a cinematic experience that explores themes of loss and family. Despite a budget of less than $10 million, significantly lower than many major studio productions, the game has been praised for its creativity and storytelling.

New York Times

Despite the accolades, some commentators have pointed out the irony of Macron's praise, recalling his earlier remarks suggesting that video games had "poisoned" the minds of young people during the 2023 riots. Macron later clarified that his comments were aimed at the misuse of video game codes to trivialize violence, not at the medium itself. This has led to mixed reactions regarding his support for the gaming industry.

French President publicly congratulates Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, calling the Game of The Year win "a historic first"

• “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has just been named Game of the Year in Los Angeles. A historic first for a French title! Great pride for Montpellier and for France. Congratulations to the Sandfall Interactive team. For future generations and those that follow!” — Emmanuel Macron, President of France

‘Great pride for France’: President congratulates Clair Obscur after historic night at The Game Awards

• “Thank you to everyone who helped bring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to life. Thank you to all our players for your passion, the love you’ve shared with us, and your incredible creations… Thank you for changing our lives.” — Sandfall Interactive

‘Great pride for France’: President congratulates Clair Obscur after historic night at The Game Awards

Following its success, Sandfall Interactive has announced a free update for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which will include new areas and challenging super bosses. The studio's achievements have sparked discussions about the future of independent game development in France and the potential for further recognition on the global stage.

French President congratulates Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a second time after the RPG's record-breaking awards haul: "For future generations and those that follow"