Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved a remarkable milestone, selling over 2 million copies just 12 days after launch. This impressive growth is a significant jump from the 1 million units sold merely three days following its release.
It’s important to note that *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* launched simultaneously on Game Pass alongside Bethesda’s *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*. Given this competitive context, the game's success becomes even more noteworthy for developer Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive.
“We’ve watched in awe as so many of you began your journey,” read a heartfelt message posted on the studio’s social media. “Feeling every step, every emotion, every revelation alongside you.
To those just joining us: welcome.
Tomorrow comes.”
When Bethesda quietly released *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered* alongside *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, many expected only one title to dominate. Surprisingly, both games managed to carve out their own space and thrive in the same market.
According to Kepler Interactive, not only did *Oblivion* not negatively impact *Clair Obscur*, but it actually helped raise awareness for RPGs in general, generating additional interest in *Expedition 33*.
As Matt Handrahan, senior portfolio manager at Kepler Interactive, explained to *The Game Business*: “We always knew that *Expedition 33* had a very specific identity. When I was in the press, I saw the Western-style RPG and the Japanese-style RPG as quite different in appeal and audience. I knew plenty of people who would play an *Elder Scrolls* game but wouldn’t necessarily play *Final Fantasy*, and vice versa.
“Also, by the time we launched, we already had our own momentum and felt confident that we could stand side-by-side with *Oblivion*. There were also other factors, such as our pricing strategy and inclusion in Game Pass, which we believed would draw considerable attention. Ultimately, the game performed as well as we could have hoped—and being close in release date to *Oblivion* didn't seem to hurt us at all. In fact, it may have helped spark broader interest in high-quality RPGs that week.”
Thanks to its strong performance, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* has garnered national recognition, including praise from French President Emmanuel Macron for the development team’s achievement.
Be sure to explore our guide with essential tips to know before starting your journey in *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*.
