Overview
- The Indie Game Awards rescinded Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Game of the Year and Debut Game after confirming generative‑AI was used during development.
- Blue Prince is now Game of the Year and Sorry We’re Closed takes Debut Game, with new acceptance speeches expected to be posted in early 2026.
- Officials said a Sandfall representative had affirmed no generative‑AI use at submission, which conflicted with later confirmation reported and acknowledged by the studio.
- Sandfall maintains the AI content was a small number of placeholder textures that slipped into the April launch build and were replaced within five days.
- The decision underscores a strict eligibility rule that disqualifies any title using generative‑AI, even as Clair Obscur’s broader awards run and strong sales continue to drive debate over disclosure and standards.