Clair Obsucr Expedition 33 continues its run as the exciting new game in the spotlight at the moment, following its incredible dash to a million copies sold and absurd levels of critical acclaim. It seems one man has taken notice of this French success, either organically or via an aide I’m sure, and has come forward to express support. The President of France Emmanuel Macron.
Posting on Instagram, Macron stated (translated from French), “A million copies and to date, one of the best-rated games in history: and yes, it’s French! Congratulations to Sandfall Interactive and all the creators of Expedition 33. You are a shining example of French audacity and creativity.”
On one hand, this is surely a nice thing to see if you’re a member of staff at Sandfall Interactive, a studio that has already been continuously humble and thankful given the success its breakout hit has seen. Also, it’s nice when you get some recognition from those at the highest level of state! I’m British so, I can’t remember the last time a Prime Minister shouted out a UK studio. So ultimately any fuzzy warm feeling those working at Sandfall Interactive is well deserved.
Okay, so here’s where that nagging voice in my head spoils all the good vibes. On the other hand, it is a tad funny to me that President Macron is back to his usual routine of praising the French video game sector when it was only back in 2023 that Macron blamed video games for a youth riot, after Nahel Merzouk was shot by police. He would walk this back, of course, but it doesn’t help the feeling that politicians praise video games when things are going well to appeal to younger folks, but remain ready to throw the medium under the bus when they feel inclined to do so.
Okay, moan over! A nice moment for the Sandfall Interactive team and if nothing else a milestone moment in Clair Obscur’s rise in popularity. Macron, usually content with bigging up s**t French esports teams, in my mind is a marker for when anything French gaming related breaches containment and enters the zeitgeist. So, a sign of further good news to come.