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A collector's edition of the highly acclaimed video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has reportedly been seized by Iraqi customs authorities after mistaking it for a historical artefact
The incident has left both the owner and the wider gaming community in disbelief as officials investigate the "cultural significance" of a modern promotional item.
A Reddit user shared official documentation online revealing that the art book included in the game's "Monolith Set" had been flagged during a routine inspection.
Customs officials became concerned that the sketches and symbols within the journal-style book bore too much resemblance to authentic archaeological finds. The package was then forwarded to Iraq's Ministry of Culture and Antiquities for a formal review.
The Expedition 33 art journal.
Image via Sandfall InteractiveAccording to the official correspondence, authorities requested the ministry to verify the item's origin before it could be released to the recipient
The owner of the set detailed the experience with a mix of frustration and amusement, noting that customs officers seemed convinced the book's "vibes" — which include hand-drawn illustrations and cryptic symbols — were indicative of a newly discovered piece of history.
The art book has since been sent to the Iraqi Museum's Technical Committee. There, experts will conduct a physical examination to confirm that the item is a mass-produced modern product rather than a relic of the past.
The translated official letters issued by Iraqi Customs.
Image via Ahmed15252 (Reddit)Readers and fans have pointed out the absurdity of the situation, noting that the book possesses clear signs of 21st-century manufacturing
Despite its intentionally aged aesthetic, the item features modern binding, glossy paper, contemporary English text, and standard copyright information.
Critics of the seizure suggested that a simple Internet search could have resolved the matter without involving a national museum committee.
While the owner remains in good spirits, it is currently unclear how long the review will take
Until Iraq's Ministry of Culture officially declares the Expedition 33 journal a "modern work", the package will remain in government custody.
