When Bethesda unexpectedly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered during the launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many believed that Oblivion would overshadow its fellow RPG. However, Kepler Interactive, the publisher of Clair Obscur, reported that not only did Oblivion's release not negatively impact Clair Obscur, but it actually enhanced the excitement for RPGs as a genre.
Matt Handrahan, senior portfolio manager at Kepler Interactive, shared insights with The Game Business about the successful launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 against the backdrop of Oblivion's release.
To provide context, RPG enthusiasts faced a choice between diving into the expansive world of Cyrodiil in Oblivion or embarking on a unique adventure to defeat the Paintress in Clair Obscur. The simultaneous launch of these two titles sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among fans, prompting a witty response from Kepler Interactive on social media.
In a playful X/Twitter post, Kepler shared an image of Clair Obscur characters entering an Oblivion Gate, captioned "omg its like barbenheimer," humorously referencing the simultaneous release of the films Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023.
omg its like barbenheimer pic.twitter.com/TN1AFzdggc
— Kepler Interactive (@Kepler_Interact) April 22, 2025
Microsoft, owner of Bethesda and a significant supporter of Clair Obscur since its reveal at an Xbox Showcase, faced criticism for the timing of Oblivion's shadow-drop, especially since both games were available on Game Pass from day one.
However, Handrahan reassured that there was no cause for concern. He explained, “We always knew that Expedition 33 had a very distinct identity. From my experience in the press, I understood that Western-style RPGs and Japanese-style RPGs attract different audiences. I've known many who enjoy Elder Scrolls but wouldn't necessarily play Final Fantasy, and vice versa.
“Additionally, by the time we launched, we had built our own momentum and felt confident in standing alongside Oblivion. Factors like our pricing strategy and inclusion in Game Pass contributed to our confidence. We knew there would be significant interest in our game, and it performed exceptionally well. In fact, the proximity to Oblivion didn't harm us at all; rather, it heightened attention to quality RPGs that week, sparking discussions and interest in the genre.”
AnswerSee ResultsClair Obscur has become a major success for Kepler and its French developer, Sandfall Interactive, achieving over 1 million sales in just three days and boasting impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. The game's success has even earned commendation from French President Macron.Bethesda reported that Oblivion Remastered has attracted over 4 million players since its launch, though specific sales figures remain undisclosed. It, too, has seen substantial concurrent player numbers on Steam.
Data from Ampere, cited by The Game Business, indicates that 35% of Clair Obscur players also played Oblivion Remastered, highlighting significant player overlap. This overlap is largely attributed to both games being available on Game Pass, with the percentage decreasing among Steam and PlayStation 5 users.
For more on Oblivion Remastered, check out our report on a player who ventured beyond Cyrodiil to explore Valenwood, Skyrim, and Hammerfell, the speculated setting for The Elder Scrolls VI.We also offer a comprehensive guide to Oblivion Remastered, featuring an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and all Guild Quests, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, all PC Cheat Codes, and more.
For Clair Obscur, don't miss our essential tips to know before starting your adventure.
