Publisher Kepler Interactive has addressed the recent surprise launch of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, clarifying that it did not negatively impact the debut of their own title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In a conversation with The Games Business, senior portfolio director Matt Handrahan expressed a sense of optimism regarding the situation, suggesting that the Bethesda remaster actually heightened interest in the role-playing game genre as a whole.
Distinct Identities in RPGs
Handrahan articulated a clear understanding of the unique identities within the RPG landscape. “We always knew that Expedition 33 had a very specific identity,” he remarked. He noted the contrasting appeals of Western-style RPGs versus their Japanese counterparts, indicating that players often gravitate toward one style over the other. “I knew plenty of people that would play an Elder Scrolls game that wouldn’t necessarily play Final Fantasy and vice versa,” he added.
As the launch of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 approached, Handrahan felt a growing momentum behind the title. “By the time that we rolled around, we had momentum of our own and we felt pretty confident that we could stand beside it,” he stated. He highlighted several factors contributing to their confidence, including a competitive price point and inclusion in Game Pass, which he believed would generate significant interest in the game.
Reflecting on the launch week, Handrahan noted, “It went as well as it possibly could have done in our eyes. And, actually, proximity to Oblivion didn’t seem to harm us at all. In many ways, I think it just drew attention to quality RPGs that week and everybody was thinking and talking about the genre.”
In terms of performance, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered achieved the status of the highest-grossing game on Steam during its first week, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 secured the No. 3 position, underscoring a successful week for both titles in a competitive market.