Clair Obscur ignites debate on RPG bias

A debut from a French studio sparks big sales and a wider conversation about bias in turn-based RPGs.

Clair Obscur reshapes RPG taste and exposes divides between Western and Japanese games

Clair Obscur, Sandfall Interactive’s debut, moved quickly after its 2024 release, selling 500,000 copies in 24 hours and 1 million after three days. Its polished visuals and blending of Western presentation with JRPG-like mechanics helped it capture broad attention, even as it faced stiff competition from other big titles.

The rapid sales signal a real appetite for RPGs that blend styles from different sides of the world. Yet the game’s reception also exposes how perceptions of turn-based play and anime-inspired visuals can shape a title’s life in the market. The piece points to influences from Final Fantasy X and Persona 5, while noting that the same ideas can find new life in Western packaging. It also highlights a persistent bias that makes some audiences view JRPGs as inherently less cool, even when they perform well commercially and critically.

Highlights

Open minds may shape the next wave of RPGs to unite rather than divide.