"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Praises Oblivion Remastered's Impact on RPG Quality"

When Bethesda unexpectedly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered during the launch week of the role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many anticipated a fierce competition. However, Kepler Interactive, the publisher of Clair Obscur, revealed that not only did Oblivion's release not negatively impact Clair Obscur, but it actually enhanced the excitement around the RPG genre.

Kepler Interactive's senior portfolio manager, Matt Handrahan, shared insights with The Game Business on how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 managed to thrive despite the simultaneous release. RPG enthusiasts faced a tough decision: dive into the expansive world of Oblivion’s Cyrodiil or embark on a thrilling expedition to defeat the Paintress in Clair Obscur. The concurrent launches sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among fans, prompting Kepler Interactive to humorously compare the situation to the simultaneous release of the films Barbie and Oppenheimer, dubbing it "Barbenheimer" in a playful X/Twitter post.

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 at an Xbox event, faced criticism for shadow-dropping Oblivion on the same day both games were made available on Game Pass.

Handrahan reassured that the release strategy posed no threat to Clair Obscur. He emphasized the distinct identities of the two games, noting the different appeals of Western and Japanese-style RPGs. "We always knew that Expedition 33 had a very specific identity," Handrahan stated. "By the time of our launch, we had our own momentum and felt confident standing alongside Oblivion. Factors like our pricing and inclusion in Game Pass helped ensure strong interest in our game. The proximity to Oblivion didn't harm us; instead, it heightened the focus on quality RPGs that week, boosting the genre's overall visibility."

Bethesda reported that Oblivion Remastered attracted over 4 million players since its launch, though specific sales figures were not disclosed. It also saw significant concurrent player numbers on Steam.

Data from Ampere, cited by The Game Business, showed that 35% of Clair Obscur players also played Oblivion Remastered, indicating a notable overlap, particularly among Game Pass users. The overlap was less pronounced on Steam and PlayStation 5.

Our comprehensive guide to Oblivion Remastered includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, every PC Cheat Code, and much more.

For Clair Obscur, don't miss our essential tips to know before you start your adventure.