French Government Gives Awards to Game Makers of Clair Obscur

The French government has given awards to the team that made the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. They were given the Order of Arts and Letters. This shows that video games are now seen as an important part of art and culture in France.
By Newsroom | Video Games, France |

The French government has awarded knighthoods to the development team behind the video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This honor, bestowed through the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres), recognizes the studio's significant contributions to French art and culture. The award highlights the growing recognition of video games as a significant artistic medium.

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The developers at Sandfall Interactive, a team of 28 individuals including founders Guillaume Broche, Tom Guillermin, and François Meurisse, received this distinction following the widespread critical and commercial success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati stated that the government wished to celebrate "the brilliant success of a collective" and that the game's achievement "restores confidence, energy and momentum to an entire sector" during a challenging period for the video game industry. She further commented that the success demonstrates that "video games have found their place, naturally, in our cultural lives."

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Award Details and Historical Context

The Order of Arts and Letters is a prestigious French decoration established in the 1950s. It is awarded annually to approximately 200 individuals recognized for their notable contributions to the arts, literature, or the promotion of these fields. This is not the first time the video game industry has been honored; previous recipients include Michel Ancel (creator of Rayman), Shigeru Miyamoto (Nintendo), and Frédérick Raynal (Alone in the Dark), who were recognized in 2006. The Sandfall Interactive team received the grade of Chevalier (Knight) within this order, marked by an eight-pointed silver medallion.

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Recognition for Artistic Achievement

The knighthood for the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 team underscores the French government's view of video games as a significant art form. Minister Rachida Dati specifically mentioned that the game's success shows that video games are "no longer reserved for a certain age, generation, or social class" and have naturally integrated into the cultural landscape.

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"At a time when the video game industry is going through a difficult period, your success restores confidence, energy and momentum to an entire sector." - Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture

The award acknowledges the memorable world created by the game and its resonance with a large player base. The developers expressed their gratitude, dedicating the honor to "our team who shaped this world and to the millions of players who have brought it to life."

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Impact

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has garnered substantial acclaim, with reports suggesting it has become the most awarded game ever made, surpassing titles like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3. Its success is attributed to its turn-based gameplay, striking visuals, and compelling narrative. The game is noted for its blend of classic French influence with innovative game design, a signature that aligns with its cultural recognition.

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"For the French video game industry, your success says something very simple and very important: video games are no longer reserved for a certain age, generation, or social class. They have found their place, naturally, in our cultural lives." - Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture

The developers hope their journey will inspire others to "take the plunge and create their own work." This knighthood is seen as a significant moment, not only for Sandfall Interactive but for the broader French video game industry.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
It is a video game made by a French team called Sandfall Interactive.
Q: Why did the French government give them awards?
They gave the awards because the game is seen as a great work of art and culture.
Q: What is the award called?
The award is part of the Order of Arts and Letters, and they received the title of Chevalier, which means Knight.
Q: Is this the first time game makers got this award?
No, other game makers like Shigeru Miyamoto have received similar awards before.