(UPD) Sandfall Interactive bans a comic book called L'Académie Clair-Obscur
, by Thibaut
Update on March 9, 2026, at 3:26 p.m.
Sandfall Interactive has finally responded to this controversy. In a brief message posted on X, the French studio said it had contacted the publisher and the author of the comic book to find a solution.
"Hello everyone, we have seen the discussions, thank you for bringing the situation to our attention. We are in contact with the publisher and Olivier to find a solution that is fair for everyone."
Original article
The world of intellectual property can sometimes be ruthless. On X, the author of a comic book stated that he had received a letter from a lawyer sent by Sandfall Interactive with the aim of stopping the commercialization of his creation.
The problem lies in the name of the comic book, which is called L'Académie Clair-Obscur. However, its creator, Olivier Gay, stated on X that his project was pitched to the publisher Drakoo in 2019 and the contract was signed in March 2024. All of this happened well before the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which was in no way inspired by the comic book.
L'Académie Clair-Obscur tells the story of a peasant who enrolls in a school of magic. Clair-Obscur is a particular magical technique. Having "neither the energy nor the money to engage in a legal battle," the author will therefore change the name of the comic book. He also says he is a big fan of Sandfall Interactive and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which he has got the platinum for. He concludes by saying that it is "all the more disappointing to see them take legal action for no reason."
All of this is just an unfortunate coincidence that has real repercussions.