The French government has bestowed knighthood honors on the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

In recognition of the successful launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, several employees from Sandfall Interactive have been appointed as knights in the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.

At an event conducted last week, the Ministry of Culture bestowed the honor upon 28 team members.

Expressing gratitude in a LinkedIn post, the developer stated, "This accolade is a great honor. Our sincere appreciation goes out not only to our team, who crafted this world, but also the millions of players who have embraced it. We aspire that our path will inspire others to embark on their creative journeys."

Rachida Dati, the French minister of culture, acknowledged the "remarkable success of a collective" with this award.

"Due to its magnitude, influence, and the support from both the public and critics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 marks a significant milestone in the sphere of French gaming," Dati remarked.

During a challenging era for the video game industry, Dati highlighted the importance of this achievement for rejuvenating hope, motivation, and drive within the sector.

She further emphasized the role of video games as an art form and a cultural influence, noting, "Your accomplishments underscore the integral role of video games within modern cultural landscapes, transcending age, generation, and class distinctions."

Instituted in the 1950s, the Order of Arts annually honors 200 individuals for their contributions.

The first recognitions within the gaming industry were awarded in 2006 to Michel Ancel, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Frédérick Raynal, renowned for their groundbreaking work in the field.

More recently, Eiji Aonuma, famed for producing The Legend of Zelda, was knighted in 2023.

Since its release in April 2025, Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur has garnered numerous accolades, becoming the most celebrated title at The Game Awards.