The development team behind one of 2025’s breakout turn-based hits can now proudly call each other fellow “chevaliers,” or knights, as they continue working together.
The French Ministry of Culture recently awarded the entire development team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 the title of the Knights of the Order of Arts and Letters, in recognition of their exceptional contribution to France’s arts and literature.
The honor follows Expedition 33’s historic run at The Game Awards 2025, where it set a record for the most nominations and wins in the event’s history, widely regarded as the most prestigious awards show in video games.
Within the Order of Arts and Culture (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres), Expedition 33 developers will have the grade of Chevalier, or Knight, an honor awarded to only 200 people every year.
From game developers to knights: Expedition 33’s success story continues
Sandfall Interactive, the creators of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, expressed their appreciation to the French Ministry of Culture after receiving the distinction. They also thanked the team that shaped the world of the game, as well as the millions of players who made their success possible.
“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.”
The studio also shared photos from the awarding ceremony, showing the entire team alongside the medallions that signify their new titles.
As an indie gaming company, Sandfall Interactive started building its reputation in 2020, as they worked on their first project: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The team started with just six developers, but its ranks gradually grew to 15 and eventually expanded to at least 30 members following the game’s wave of awards and accolades.
Expedition 33, the most decorated GOTY of all time
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earned widespread praise not only for its turn-based gameplay and striking visuals but also for its compelling and unconventional narrative.
Its story explores themes of love, family, tradition, and adventure through an unpredictable plot, where characters are rarely evil outright and instead shaped by tragic pasts that influence their beliefs and decisions. The game also featured two alternate endings, leaving its story open to interpretation and continued discussion among players.
During The Game Awards 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won 9 awards out of the 13 nominations it received during the event. In terms of having the most Game of the Year awards, the game currently stands at the top with 436 GOTY awards, pushing past other powerhouse titles like Elden Ring and The Last of Us Part 2.
