14 years after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk gifted US President Barack Obama The Witcher 2, French President Emmanuel Macron is joining in on the video game recognition trend. Instead of adding Donald Trump on Steam, Macron took a moment to congratulate French development studio Sandfall Interactive for their success with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
“Wow, one million copies sold and one of the best-rated games ever: and it’s French!” Macron shared on Instagram. “Congrats to Sandfall Interactive and all the creators of Expedition 33. You guys are showing off that French audacity and creativity.”
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a hit, both critically and commercially. With around 100,000 concurrent players on Steam within a week of release and a stellar 92% Metacritic score, the game is making waves in the gaming community. It hit the one million copies sold mark just three days after launch.
But beyond the numbers, Macron’s statement highlights the importance of recognizing the cultural value of video games. Despite the outdated notion that “games are for kids,” Macron’s acknowledgment of Expedition 33’s success shines a positive light on the industry. This is a refreshing change from the recent criticisms of video games by politicians like US House Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump.
It’s great to see a major head of state showing support for video games. Macron has previously praised French esports organization Team Vitality for their achievements in the competitive gaming scene. This public recognition of the gaming industry is a step in the right direction.
While Macron has a history of blaming video games for societal issues, he has also expressed a more positive view of the medium. In a message on X, Macron emphasized the artistic and cultural value of video games. He praised games as a form of artistic expression and highlighted the competitive gaming scene as a legitimate sport.
Video games are an important part of French culture, with popular titles like Assassin’s Creed and Dofus showcasing French talent. Macron’s support for the gaming industry reflects a broader recognition of video games as a valuable cultural and artistic medium.
Andy, a longtime PC gamer and journalist, has covered the gaming industry for years. From his early days with text adventures to his current love of RPGs and shooters, Andy has seen the evolution of gaming firsthand. With a passion for all aspects of gaming, Andy brings a unique perspective to his reporting on new game releases, industry news, and everything in between.
Overall, Macron’s recognition of Sandfall Interactive and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 highlights the growing acceptance of video games as an important cultural and artistic medium. With continued support from political leaders, the gaming industry can continue to thrive and showcase the creativity and talent of developers around the world.
