Clair Obscur Collector's Edition Art Book Confiscated by Customs Because It Looked Like an Ancient Artifact
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
An Iraqi fan waiting months for the collector's edition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had the package seized by customs officials who mistook the game's art book for an ancient historical artifact.
Collector's editions always aim for a premium feel, but developer Sandfall Interactive may have accidentally taken things a step too far with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. A fan in Iraq who ordered the high-end Monolith Set of the game recently had their package intercepted by customs officials. According to official documents shared on Reddit by user Ahmed15252, the authorities flagged the included 48-page hardcover art book as a historical item of monetary value, forwarding it directly to the country's Ministry of Culture and Antiquities for further investigation.
The mix-up is both baffling and hilarious, especially considering the package also contained a clearly marked steelbook case and a replica statue tied directly to the upcoming RPG. Somewhere in the inspection process, a customs officer opened the box, looked at the gorgeous painted artwork inside, and genuinely concluded that a piece of modern video game merchandise might be a priceless antiquity. Given that the item is clearly a brand-new collector's piece, the buyer should eventually get their package back, even if they have to deal with some bureaucratic red tape first.
It is certainly an unusual badge of honor for the team at Sandfall Interactive, whose breakout RPG has been turning heads across the industry for its stunning visual style and ambitious mid-priced model. While waiting months for a pre-order only to have the government confiscate it under suspicion of smuggling ancient artifacts is less than ideal, the buyer has taken the absurd situation in stride. At the very least, it provides an unforgettable story for the community as the countdown to launch continues. Read the full story on Polygon.
Tags: Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive, Gaming News, Polygon, Collector's Edition
Original article: Polygon