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Indie Game Awards Strip Clair Obscur of Game of the Year and Debut for Generative AI Use

The Six One Indie–run show enforced its no–generative-AI rule after Sandfall confirmed limited AI-made placeholder textures briefly shipped.

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Combat in 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.'
The Indie Game Awards key graphic with Expedition 33 crossed out

Overview

  • The IGA reallocated Game of the Year to Blue Prince and Debut Game to Sorry We're Closed, with new acceptance speeches expected in early 2026.
  • Organizers said a Sandfall representative had affirmed during submission that no generative AI was used, but later confirmation triggered disqualification under IGA policy.
  • The awards’ eligibility FAQ states that any title developed using generative AI is strictly ineligible, a stance reiterated in a committee video.
  • Sandfall says AI was used only for temporary placeholder textures during early experimentation, a few shipped by mistake at launch, and all were replaced within five days, with none remaining now.
  • The reversal intensifies industry scrutiny over AI use and indie eligibility even as Clair Obscur retains major accolades, including a record haul at The Game Awards.