Charlie Cox Finally Plays Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Admits He's "Not Very Good" Despite Best Performance Nomination
17 APRIL, 2026 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Image via Sandfall Interactive
In what might be one of the most endearingly honest admissions from a voice actor this year, Charlie Cox has revealed that he's finally gotten around to playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – the critically acclaimed RPG that earned him a Best Performance nomination – and confesses that he isn't particularly skilled at it. The Daredevil star's candid remarks have sparked a wave of appreciation from fans and highlighted the fascinating disconnect that sometimes exists between the artists who bring beloved characters to life and the games they help create.
Cox, who has become a household name through his portrayal of Matt Murdock in Marvel's Daredevil series, lent his considerable talents to Sandfall Interactive's stunning turn-based RPG earlier this year. His performance was met with widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers and players alike praising the emotional depth and nuance he brought to his character. The recognition culminated in a Best Performance nomination, placing Cox among the elite voice actors who have helped elevate video game storytelling to new heights.
The irony, however, is delicious. Despite receiving one of gaming's highest honors for his work, Cox admitted in a recent interview that he had only just started playing "a bit" of the game. His self-deprecating confession that he isn't very good at it has resonated strongly with both gaming communities and casual observers, humanizing the often-glamorous world of voice acting and reminding everyone that acting talent doesn't necessarily translate to gaming prowess.

This situation isn't entirely uncommon in the industry. Many voice actors, particularly those who come from traditional film and television backgrounds, approach video game work as a performance medium rather than an interactive one. They record their lines in studios, often without seeing the final product or understanding the full context of gameplay mechanics. For Cox, whose schedule has been packed with Marvel productions and other high-profile projects, finding time to actually sit down and experience the finished game was clearly a challenge.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been one of 2025's most surprising success stories. Developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive, the game combines breathtaking visual artistry inspired by Belle Époque aesthetics with challenging turn-based combat that rewards strategic thinking and precise timing. Set in a hauntingly beautiful world where a mysterious phenomenon called the Obscur threatens humanity, the game follows Expedition 33 – a group of warriors embarking on what might be their final mission to save what remains of civilization.
The game's combat system is notably demanding. Unlike traditional turn-based RPGs where players can leisurely select commands, Clair Obscur incorporates real-time elements that require quick reflexes and careful attention. Perfectly timed blocks, combo attacks, and split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat. It's the kind of system that rewards dedicated players who invest time in mastering its intricacies – something that even the most talented actor might struggle with during casual play sessions.

Cox's admission has sparked a broader conversation about the relationship between voice actors and the games they work on. While some performers are avid gamers who eagerly dive into their projects, others view voice acting as simply another facet of their craft, no different from dubbing a foreign film or recording an audiobook. Neither approach is wrong, but Cox's honesty about his gaming abilities has earned him additional goodwill from a community that often appreciates authenticity above all else.
Social media reactions to Cox's comments have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have praised his humility and expressed their delight at imagining the acclaimed actor fumbling through combat encounters that they themselves have mastered. Some have even offered to help teach him the game's mechanics, while others have shared their own struggles with particularly challenging boss fights as a show of solidarity.
The timing of Cox's revelation is particularly noteworthy. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to perform strongly in sales and maintains an active player community months after launch. The game has been praised for its innovative approach to the RPG genre, its stunning artistic direction, and its memorable cast of characters – brought to life by talented performers like Cox. His belated engagement with the game serves as a fresh reminder of its quality and might even drive additional players to experience it for themselves.

For Sandfall Interactive, having a nominated performer publicly engage with their creation – even in such a humble capacity – represents valuable ongoing visibility. The developer has worked tirelessly to establish Clair Obscur as a new franchise in an industry dominated by established names, and every bit of attention helps solidify its place in the gaming landscape.
As for Cox, his gaming journey is just beginning. Perhaps with practice, the man who brought such emotion and depth to his character will eventually master the combat systems that have temporarily bested him. Until then, fans can take comfort in knowing that even award-nominated performers sometimes struggle with the same boss fights that challenge the rest of us. It's a reminder that great art transcends the medium – and that being amazing at your job doesn't always mean being amazing at experiencing the final product.
