Indie Game Awards Rescinds Trophies from Clair Obscur Due to Generative AI Usage

Initially Announced as Game of the Year

The Indie Game Awards recently revoked two major accolades from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—namely, the Game of the Year and Debut Game honors. The revocation arose because Sandfall Interactive, the game's developer, utilized generative AI technologies in its creation process, as highlighted by Mashable.

The situation appears straightforward. The FAQ for the awards ceremony specifies that any game employing generative AI at any stage of development is 'strictly ineligible' for award consideration. It has since come to light that such AI was indeed leveraged in the production of Clair Obscur.

Sandfall Interactive claimed that generative AI was used merely for temporary textures that were subsequently removed. However, certain elements slipped through quality control and ended up in the final release—and consequently, online. The stringent rules set by the Indie Game Awards on generative AI usage led to this outcome.

Upon confirming on the day of the 2025 Indie Game Awards premiere that generative AI art had been part of Clair Obscur’s development, it was deemed necessary by the organization to rescind its nominations. Despite acknowledging the game’s merits and the removal of the contentious assets, the use of AI violated standing guidelines.

Six One Indie, the entity managing the awards, also shoulders some responsibility. Despite awareness from earlier months, the decision wasn’t made until December 18, the same day winners were declared. A simple internet search a day prior might have unveiled the use of AI earlier. Notably, Sandfall was bound by an earlier agreement during submission, declaring no AI was involved.

With Clair Obscur disqualified, the next highest-rated games in each category receive the awards. Therefore, Blue Prince is now recognized as Game of the Year, while Sorry We're Closed is honored with Debut Game.

In spite of the controversy surrounding AI involvement, Clair Obscur had an exceptionally successful evening at The Game Awards earlier this month. It triumphed in almost all categories it entered, including taking home the Game of the Year award. It also secured a spot on our list of the top games of 2025. The game’s developer reported selling 5 million copies as of October, a figure likely to be much higher now.