Clair Obscur launches physical gaming magazine in 2026

In a surprising move, publisher Kepler Interactive has announced that it will launch a physical gaming magazine called "Reset" in 2026. The magazine is intended to celebrate the lasting value and legacy of gaming in an increasingly digital era. Kepler Interactive, known for its highly selective approach to game publishing, aims to elevate the cultural conversation around games and highlight the creativity hidden within development processes.

The vision behind Reset

According to Alexis Garavaryan, CEO of Kepler Interactive, the goal of Reset is to create something tangible and enduring. “In a world that is becoming more and more focused on the fleeting, we wanted to emphasize lasting values. Reset is the embodiment of that,” Garavaryan said. The magazine will be sold through Kepler’s new online store, with plans to eventually distribute it physically in shops as well.

The first issue of Reset will feature a range of articles, including interviews and essays that examine the creative minds behind popular games such as "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" and other leading titles in the gaming industry. Reset aims to position game design alongside other established cultural disciplines and explore the interactions between different creative fields.

Key players and contributions

The first issue’s lineup will include entrepreneurs and creative personalities from across the industry, including Gucci, fashion designer Yaku, and others. The focus is on building a connection between gaming and other art forms such as architecture and fashion. Simon Sweeney, Kepler’s creative director, notes that it is often forgotten that game developers and other artists draw inspiration from the same sources.

Sweeney is calling for a broader appreciation of gaming as a true art form. He adds: “It’s no longer a small industry. The way games are breaking into broader culture, such as through film adaptations, makes that clear.”

Kepler Interactive’s role

Kepler Interactive was formed through the collaboration of seven independent studios in 2021. The company quickly established itself by signing notable titles such as "Sifu" and "Scorn". After reviewing more than 1,000 games each year, Kepler selects only two or three for further collaboration, with innovative gameplay and a distinctive aesthetic serving as the main criteria.

The publisher has further expanded its influence with a $120 million investment from Chinese gaming company NetEase, which helped fund development of the award-winning "Clair Obscur". This year, Kepler also plans to release the psychological thriller "Ontos" and the co-op sci-fi game "Orbitals".

With a growing audience and increased recognition of games as a serious art form, Reset hopes to make an impactful contribution to the discussion around gaming and its cultural implications in the future.