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Indie Game Awards Rescind Clair Obscur’s Top Prizes Over Generative AI Use

The ruling followed a submission attesting to no AI use that conflicted with the studio’s later confirmation of limited placeholder textures.

Combat in 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.'
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Clair Obscur Expedition 33 stripped of IGA’s Game of the Year gong as its generative AI use comes under inspection
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Overview

  • The Indie Game Awards revoked Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Game of the Year and Debut Game wins after confirming generative AI was used during development.
  • Organizers said Sandfall Interactive had affirmed at submission that no gen‑AI was used, a representation later contradicted by the studio’s own confirmation.
  • The IGA’s FAQ and a video statement reiterated its strict policy that games using generative AI are ineligible, leading to the retroactive disqualification.
  • Awards were reassigned to the next highest‑ranked titles, with Blue Prince named Game of the Year and Sorry We’re Closed taking Debut Game, with acceptance speeches expected in early 2026.
  • Sandfall maintains AI outputs were brief experiments for placeholder textures that shipped in error and were replaced within days of the April launch, as industry debate over AI tools and award rules escalates.