The development team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have been given the status of Knight under the French Order of Arts and Letters, in recognition of their significant contribution to the country’s art and culture.
French studio Sandfall Interactive revealed the news this week via a post on LinkedIn, which included photos of the proud team wearing medals bestowed upon them by the French Ministry of Culture.
While somewhat similar to a British knighthood, the French Order of Arts and Letters does not allow holders to add a “Sir” to their names. Still, it is prestigious form of recognition awarded to just 200 people worldwide each year, for their work creating something of outstanding cultural significance.
Since the launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in April 2025, the game has received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike. It won a record nine of the (also record) 13 nominations it received at last year’s Game Awards. Here on IGN, meanwhile, we crowned it as our Game of 2025.
“From Expeditioners to Knights!” the team wrote in celebration of their latest prize. “We were received yesterday at the Ministry of Culture to celebrate our game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. As such, the members of Sandfall Interactive were awarded the Order of Arts and Letters.
“This distinction honors us, and our deepest thanks go especially to our team who shaped this world and to the millions of players who have brought it to life. We hope that our journey will inspire all those who wish to take the plunge and create their own work.”
Recognition by the French Ministry of Culture for work in the field of video games is rare, and for an entire studio of people to be recognized is completely unique.
The honor of Knight status was first bestowed upon a game creator back in 2006, when Rayman, Rabbids and Beyond Good & Evil designer Michel Ancel received the honor alongside Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto and Alone in the Dark creator Frederick Raynal. Nintendo’s veteran Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma was similarly honored in 2023, meanwhile.
“Wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 paints itself into the pantheon of great RPGs with a brilliant combat system and a gripping, harrowing story,” IGN wrote in our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, dubbing it a “modern RPG classic.”
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
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