The Indie Game Awards withdrew two awards previously given to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, not due to controversy over what is and is not an “indie game”, but because a Sandfall Interactive representative agreed that no generational AI was used in development, when in fact it was.
“The Indie Game Awards takes a strong stance on the use of artificial intelligence throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony itself,” the nomination statement explains. “When it was brought up for review, a representative from Sandfall Interactive agreed that no AI gene was used in the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
“In light of Sandfall Interactive confirming the use of AI art in production on the opening day of the 2025 Indie Game Awards, this effectively disqualifies Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from being nominated.”
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Now in a video and statement published on the Indie Game Award. website – and despite the fact that “the assets in question have been fixed and it's a great game,” the award team said it was “truly against the rules.”
The IGA Nominations Committee is officially withdrawing the Debut Game and Game of the Year awards, awarding both categories to new winners. Additionally, we are revoking one of our Indie Vanguard recipients. Full details can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Game Availability section: www.indiegameawards.gg/faq.
— Indie Games Awards (@indiegameawards.gg) December 20, 2025 at 18:45
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As a result, the IGA nominating committee agreed to officially withdraw the Debut Game and Game of the Year awards and give them to the next highest-rated game in each category. This means that the debut game will now be renamed Sorry, We're Closed, and Blue Prince will receive Game of the Year, the opening speeches for which will be recorded and distributed in the new year.
The IGA has not provided any information about the offensive image or images, but fans believe they have found several examples. Here And Here. Presumably these have been fixed and there are no Gen AI images left in the game.
Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 is gaining momentum this year. After its release in April, the game was met with universal acclaim and related sales. In May, the developer announced that it had passed. A worthy milestone – 3.3 million copies sold.. In October this figure was increased to over 5 million copies worldwide across all formats.. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was even publicly acknowledged once again French President Emmanuel Macronwho said winning the Game of the Year was a source of “great pride for Montpellier and France”.
