Indie Game Awards Disqualify Clair Obscur Over AI Use

The Indie Game Awards have disqualified Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, stripping it of both Game of the Year and Debut Game awards after its developer confirmed the use of generative AI during development. The decision was announced shortly after the ceremony and applies even though the AI-generated assets were later removed through patches.

In a statement, the Indie Game Awards said the ruling followed confirmation from the game’s producer that generative AI had been used at some stage of production. The awards body prohibits the use of generative AI at any point in development for titles submitted for consideration.

Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had been one of the night’s top winners at the Indie Game Awards. The reversal came shortly after the game also won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025, placing it under heightened industry scrutiny.

The title was allowed to compete based on a declaration made at submission that no generative AI was used. “The Indie Game Awards have a hard stance on the use of gen AI throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony itself,” the organization said, noting that this agreement was central to the game’s eligibility.

Indie Game Awards Uphold Zero-Tolerance AI Policy

On the same day as the Indie Game Awards 2025 ceremony, producer François Meurisse confirmed that “some AI” art had been used during production. Although those assets were later patched out, the awards committee said the confirmation still violated its regulations.

“In light of Sandfall Interactive confirming the use of gen AI art in production on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere, this does disqualify Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from its nomination,” the statement said, adding that the committee agreed to retract both awards.

Following the disqualification, the Indie Game Awards reassigned the honors. Sorry We’re Closed received the Debut Game award, while Blue Prince was named Game of the Year.

The debate around The Game Awards has intensified after consecutive controversial Game of the Year results. Astro Bot’s unexpected 2024 win over titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Elden Ring was followed by criticism of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s 2025 victory after generative AI use was confirmed.

Concerns have also focused on the show’s commercial model, where expensive trailer placements favor major publishers and limit exposure for smaller studios, raising broader questions about transparency and credibility despite no evidence that voting outcomes are sold.

However, the decision highlights increasing scrutiny around generative AI in game development and reinforces the importance of disclosure and compliance in award eligibility.