In a significant move by the Indie Game Awards, 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' has been stripped of its Game of the Year and Debut Game accolades. This retraction comes in the wake of revelations that the game, developed by Sandfall Interactive, incorporated generative artificial intelligence assets at its initial release. Although these AI-generated elements were swiftly removed in subsequent updates, their presence during the submission and judging period ultimately led to the game's disqualification. This decision underscores the growing scrutiny surrounding the use of AI in creative industries and the integrity of award processes.
The controversy unfolded rapidly following the awards ceremony. 'Clair Obscur' initially claimed top honors at the Indie Game Awards. However, reports surfaced concerning the game's use of AI in its visual production. According to the Indie Game Awards' official FAQ, Sandfall Interactive had initially affirmed that no generative AI was used in the game's development when it was submitted for consideration. This assurance proved to be inaccurate when Sandfall Interactive later confirmed the integration of AI-generated art during the production phase.
This acknowledgment prompted the Indie Game Awards to invalidate 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's nominations and subsequently retract its awarded titles. The organization's stance highlights a commitment to its eligibility criteria, which specifically prohibits the use of generative AI. Even though the AI assets were patched out, their initial inclusion was deemed a fundamental breach of the rules, signaling a clear message about the importance of transparency and adherence to guidelines in the gaming community.
The discussion around AI in game development had already been gaining traction prior to this incident. Earlier statements from Sandfall Interactive's François Meurisse, which circulated on social media, indicated a minimal use of generative AI during 'Clair Obscur's development. These comments, initially published in Spanish outlets, sparked further debate, particularly in light of other industry figures, such as Larian Studios' Swen Vincke, openly discussing their use of AI tools in upcoming projects. The 'Clair Obscur' situation, however, brought the issue of AI asset use directly into the spotlight of award eligibility.
As a result of 'Clair Obscur's disqualification, the Indie Game Awards has reallocated the prestigious titles. The Debut Game award has now been conferred upon 'We're Closed,' while 'Blue Prince' has been recognized as the new recipient of the Indie Game Awards' Game of the Year honor. Developers of both these games are anticipated to deliver their acceptance speeches in early 2026, marking a fresh chapter for the awards and a renewed focus on games developed without the use of generative AI.
