Controversy Erupts as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s GOTY Title is Revoked Over Generative AI Use

Sandfall Interactive has been riding high on a wave of accolades with *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, which recently set a record for the most awards won at The Game Awards. However, the title faced a setback when two of its awards from the Indie Game Awards 2025 were revoked.

During the Indie Game Awards held on Thursday, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* snagged both Game of the Year and Debut Game honors. These wins sparked some debate, as the game doesn’t fit the typical indie mold, boasting a publisher and a budget in the millions.

Just a day later, the Indie Game Awards announced the retraction of both awards, citing the use of generative AI in development as a violation of their rules, as outlined in their FAQ.

“The Indie Game Awards maintain a strict policy against the use of generative AI throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony,” the organization stated. “When submitted for consideration, a representative from Sandfall Interactive confirmed that no generative AI was utilized in the development of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. However, following Sandfall Interactive’s admission of using generative AI art during production on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025, this disqualifies the game from its nomination.”

For those unfamiliar, *Clair Obscur* launched with what appeared to be AI-generated textures in at least one section. When this was noticed and shared online, Sandfall discreetly patched the issue without any official comment.

“While the assets in question have been removed and the game is indeed fantastic, it contradicts our established regulations. Consequently, the IGA nomination committee has decided to officially retract both the Debut Game and Game of the Year awards.”

In place of those awards, the Game of the Year title has been awarded to the deserving *Blue Prince*, while the Debut Game award now goes to *Sorry We’re Closed*.

In a recent statement, the lead of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* expressed that “we love making games more than we love managing,” emphasizing that “it’s good to have limitations,” and confirming that the studio won’t be “scaling up” for future projects.