Why was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 disqualified from the Indie Game Awards?

The game was disqualified because its developer, Sandfall Interactive, used generative AI in its production, violating the Indie Game Awards' rules.

Did Sandfall Interactive admit to using generative AI for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

Yes, Sandfall Interactive initially claimed no AI was used but later confirmed the use of generative AI for placeholder textures.

What other awards has Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won?

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has won Game of the Year and multiple other awards at The Game Awards and the Golden Joysticks.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / AI Use Costs Game Awards Top Honors

AI Use Costs Game Awards Top Honors

22 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lost two major awards due to generative AI use.
The developer initially denied using generative AI tools.
Other prestigious awards have recognized the game, despite this controversy.

The Indie Game Awards recently revoked the Game of the Year and Debut Game honors awarded to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This decision stems from the game's development process, which included the use of generative AI, a violation of the awards' strict eligibility rules. Sandfall Interactive, the game's developer, had confirmed to the Indie Game Awards that no AI was used during the nomination submission, only to later admit its employment.

Generative AI assets were reportedly used for placeholder textures during development and were not fully removed prior to the game's April 24 release, leading to player discovery. While Sandfall Interactive stated these were quickly replaced and not intended for the final product, the Indie Game Awards maintained a zero-tolerance policy. This disqualification occurred on December 18, the same day the winners were announced.

Despite this controversy, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been highly celebrated elsewhere, sweeping The Game Awards with Game of the Year and eight other prizes, and winning six awards at the Golden Joysticks. The incident fuels the ongoing discussion about ethical AI integration within the video game industry.