Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Hails Oblivion Remake's RPG Impact

When Bethesda unexpectedly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered alongside the launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many assumed only one RPG would thrive. Surprisingly, Kepler Interactive—publisher of Clair Obscur—revealed that rather than hurting its competitor, Oblivion’s arrival actually boosted interest in RPGs overall, benefiting both titles.

A Surprising Synergy

Matt Handrahan, Kepler Interactive’s senior portfolio manager, explained to The Game Business how Clair Obscur thrived despite launching alongside Bethesda’s massive remaster.

Initially, RPG fans faced a tough decision: dive back into Cyrodiil’s sprawling world or embark on a fresh adventure against Clair Obscur’s enigmatic Paintress. The simultaneous releases sparked both excitement and frustration—mirroring the playful rivalry of the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon from 2023.

"omg its like barbenheimer"

The situation intensified when Microsoft—which owns Bethesda and had heavily promoted Clair Obscur—faced criticism for releasing both games simultaneously on Game Pass. But Handrahan remained confident:

“We knew Expedition 33 had a distinct identity. Western and Japanese RPGs attract different audiences, and our momentum, price point, and Game Pass inclusion ensured we’d hold our own. If anything, Oblivion amplified RPG hype—everyone was talking about the genre.”

Proving Doubters Wrong

Clair Obscur defied expectations, surpassing 1 million sales in just three days and earning praise from French President Macron. Meanwhile, Oblivion Remastered attracted over 4 million players (though official sales figures remain undisclosed).

Data from Ampere revealed that 35% of Clair Obscur players also played Oblivion Remastered, with significant overlap attributed to Game Pass availability.

Want More RPG Content?

• For Oblivion Fans: Discover how one player escaped Cyrodiil to explore Skyrim and Hammerfell (rumored Elder Scrolls VI setting). Dive into our Interactive Map, Complete Walkthroughs, and Character-Building Guide.
• For Clair Obscur Players: Check our essential beginner tips before starting your journey.