"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Praises Oblivion Remastered for Boosting RPG Visibility"

When Bethesda unexpectedly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered during the launch week of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many anticipated a clash between the two role-playing games (RPGs). However, Kepler Interactive's senior portfolio manager, Matt Handrahan, revealed to The Game Business that not only did Oblivion not overshadow Clair Obscur, but the latter actually thrived due to the heightened interest in the RPG genre spurred by Oblivion's release.

To understand this phenomenon, it's important to consider the context. RPG enthusiasts were faced with a choice: dive into the expansive world of Cyrodiil in Oblivion or embark on the unique adventure to confront the Paintress in Clair Obscur. The simultaneous launch of these games sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among fans, prompting a witty response from Kepler Interactive itself.

In a playful nod to the simultaneous release of the films Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023, Kepler shared an edited image on X/Twitter of Clair Obscur's characters entering an Oblivion Gate, captioned "omg its like barbenheimer." This humorous comparison highlighted the unexpected synergy between the two games.

omg its like barbenheimer pic.twitter.com/TN1AFzdggc

— Kepler Interactive (@Kepler_Interact) April 22, 2025

Microsoft, the owner of Bethesda and a significant supporter of Clair Obscur since its showcase on Xbox last year, faced criticism for the shadow drop of Oblivion. Both games were available on Game Pass from day one, intensifying the debate.

Handrahan, however, remained optimistic. "We always knew that Expedition 33 had a very specific identity," he explained. "The appeal and audience for Western-style RPGs like Elder Scrolls and Japanese-style RPGs like Final Fantasy are quite different. We had our own momentum and confidence that we could stand alongside Oblivion. Factors like our pricing strategy and inclusion in Game Pass ensured we'd attract a significant audience. The proximity to Oblivion didn't harm us; instead, it drew more attention to quality RPGs that week."

Clair Obscur has proven to be a major success for Kepler and its French developer, Sandfall Interactive, selling over 1 million copies within three days and achieving impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. This success even earned praise from French President Macron.

Bethesda reported that Oblivion Remastered attracted over 4 million players since its launch, though specific sales figures remain undisclosed. It also enjoyed substantial concurrent player numbers on Steam.

Data from Ampere, cited by The Game Business, indicated that 35% of Clair Obscur players also engaged with Oblivion Remastered, reflecting significant overlap primarily due to their simultaneous availability on Game Pass. The overlap was less pronounced among Steam and PlayStation 5 users.

For those interested in Oblivion Remastered, we offer extensive coverage, including a report on a player who explored beyond Cyrodiil into Valenwood, Skyrim, and even Hammerfell, the rumored setting for The Elder Scrolls VI. Additionally, our comprehensive guide includes an Interactive Map, detailed Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and Guild Quests, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, and all PC Cheat Codes.

For Clair Obscur enthusiasts, don't miss our guide featuring essential tips to know before diving into the game.