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After a graphic novel author shared that he had received a lawyer's letter on behalf of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 studio Sandfall Interactive for potential copyright issues, the game's developers shared they were looking into it – and now, an even more positive update.
L'Académie Clair-Obscur author Olivier Gay first shed light on the situation on March 6 in a post online (as machine-translated by DeepL, Google, and X), explaining that he had received a letter from Sandfall Interactive's legal team instructing him to stop selling his graphic novel under its title – a title that resembles Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's own quite closely.
He said the book was first pitched in 2019 and had been contracted under its name in 2024.
IMPORTANTJe viens de recevoir un courrier d'avocat de la part du jeu CLAIR OBSCUR @expedition33 de Sandfall Interactive, qui me somme d'arrêter de vendre ma BD éditée chez Drakoo intitulée Académie Clair-Obscur, censée surfer sur le succès incontestable du jeu.Bon. (1/X) pic.twitter.com/Alg9Y8IYuhMarch 6, 2026
In other words, L'Académie Clair-Obscur was solidified as a concept long before the RPG's 2025 release. Dubbing it an unpleasant coincidence and describing how the story has nothing to do with that of Sandfall Interactive's game, Gay admitted he doesn't have the energy or the money to pursue a legal battle.
Further rubbing salt in the wound, he's a fan of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 himself – but things are taking a positive turn.
Although Gay was ready to throw in the towel and sell L'Académie Clair-Obscur under a different name, Sandfall Interactive actually responded publicly to the matter on March 9, saying it was in contact with the author and publisher. And now, a conclusion I think benefits everyone has been reached.
Bonjour à toutes et tous, désolés d’avoir traîné à communiquer sur le sujet. La situation initiée par les représentants juridiques de notre studio était nouvelle pour nous et complexe à gérer. Nous voulions nous assurer de pouvoir en discuter avec toutes les parties prenantes…March 10, 2026
As the studio details in its latest thread (once again machine-translated), it all boils down to a bit of a misunderstanding.
Starting with an apology, Sandfall Interactive says it's been a complex situation to manage, and its legal team was simply looking to protect the studio against any counterfeit products.
The action that was taken against L'Académie Clair-Obscur does not, however, align with the company's own desires or values. As the dev states, it has always wanted to support fellow artists – like Gay – and encourage creativity.
Sandfall Interactive concludes with a wish of success toward Gay and Grelin, fellow author.
Merci à @SandfallGames (et notamment à François, l'un des fondateurs, que j'ai eu directement en contact) pour avoir retiré leur démarche.Les conversations ont été très sympas (on a même parlé du Simon fight), et la BD va donc pouvoir continuer sa vie (1/2) https://t.co/i4YfhvzMfVMarch 10, 2026
In his own response, Gay thanks the studio and says the conversations he had with devs – specifically co-founder and COO François Meurisse – were very pleasant. He reveals that his graphic novel will continue under the name of L'Académie Clair-Obscur after all, expressing his relief before ending with an ode to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
"For those who come after!"
