A French RPG Takes Game of the Year
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially gone from sleeper hit to global phenomenon. At The Game Awards it pulled off an impressive run, grabbing nine awards in total and including the big one Game of the Year. That is not just a nice trophy haul for the team at Sandfall Interactive. It is also a historic first for a French made game.
The RPG takes clear inspiration from classics like Final Fantasy, blending stylish turn based combat with a strong narrative and a unique visual identity. Its runaway success at one of the biggest gaming events of the year puts both the studio and the wider French games industry firmly in the international spotlight.
On top of the awards buzz, the game has now attracted attention from the highest level of French politics. The reaction from the country’s president shows just how seriously mainstream culture is starting to treat videogames and PC gaming as a whole.
Emmanuel Macron Joins the Hype
Following the Game Awards sweep, French President Emmanuel Macron posted a public message of support for the developers. On Instagram he congratulated Sandfall Interactive and called the win a historic first for a French title. He highlighted how much pride the success brings to Montpellier, the city where the studio is based, and to France in general.
According to the translated caption, Macron framed Clair Obscur as a victory not just for a single studio but for current and future generations of French creators. That might sound like typical political language, but it still matters. When heads of state are willing to openly celebrate a PC RPG winning Game of the Year, it reinforces the idea that videogames are now viewed as serious cultural works, not just simple entertainment.
This is not the first time Macron has commented on the game. Shortly after Expedition 33 launched, he already described it as a shining example of French audacity and creativity. For a small studio with only one game released, that is a huge level of attention and a clear signal that the project has broken out of the usual gaming bubble.
There is also an interesting contrast with Macron’s earlier stance on games. In 2023 he criticized videogames when discussing violent protests in France, suggesting that some rioters were acting out the games that had influenced them. Seeing the same politician now praise a French RPG shows how complex the public conversation around games has become. They can be blamed for social problems one moment and praised as cultural jewels the next.
Why This Win Matters for PC Gamers
So what does all of this mean if you are mainly interested in PC gaming rather than politics It is a strong sign of how much the RPG and PC gaming space has evolved, especially on the creative side.
Indie and mid sized studios can dominate: Sandfall Interactive is not a giant publisher with dozens of franchises. Yet with careful design, a clear artistic vision, and smart combat mechanics, it managed to outshine some of the biggest names in the industry at a major event.
Turn based combat is alive and well: For years there has been talk that fast action was replacing slower, more tactical gameplay. Expedition 33 shows that a modern turn based system, especially on PC, can still be incredibly exciting and popular when it is polished and responsive.
Global recognition benefits PC players: When a game like this wins big and gets political attention, it encourages more studios and investors to take PC centric projects seriously. That means more ambitious RPGs, richer worlds, and deeper gameplay for players over time.
The recognition also positions Sandfall as one of the most interesting new studios in the RPG space. With only one title on its record it has already earned a reputation many developers work for years to build. That is likely to have a ripple effect on future PC projects, since expectations will be sky high for whatever they release next.
For anyone who loves long form story driven adventures, this is all good news. When awards shows and even world leaders highlight a complex RPG instead of a simple trend chasing title, it sends a message that deep narrative games still matter. It also confirms that PC remains one of the best platforms for these kinds of experiences, thanks to its flexibility and dedicated audience.
Clair Obscur’s clean sweep at The Game Awards and the reaction it triggered at the national level show how far the medium has come. PC games are not just a hobby tucked away in a corner of entertainment anymore. They are a central part of modern culture and sometimes a point of pride for entire countries. For players that means more ambitious projects, more experimental ideas, and an industry that is willing to bet on bold new RPGs instead of just playing it safe.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/french-president-emmanuel-macron-gives-a-second-public-shout-out-to-clair-obscur-after-its-game-awards-sweep-a-source-of-great-pride-for-montpellier-and-for-france/
