There’s a lot of discussion about whether Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the new RPG from Sandfall Interactive, should even be considered an indie game, and it doesn’t look like that debate will be settling down anytime soon.
However, that’s not why this game was removed from consideration for the Indie Game Awards. This is a complicated situation, and we expect a lot of debate about it in the comments section.
The game has lost two awards it previously won because it uses generative AI. These awards were for Best Debut and Game of the Year.
The French studio had previously acknowledged using the technology in an interview, which gained attention again after the controversy involving Divinity developer Larian on social media.
François Meurisse of Sandfall Interactive mentioned earlier this year that they used a limited amount of AI.
Our success comes down to having a clear vision and knowing where to focus our energy. Plus, recent technological advancements have made it possible to achieve things we couldn’t have imagined just a short time ago.
Shortly after the game launched, some background details that appeared to be created using AI were quickly removed, and the issue was resolved.
Because of increased concerns and renewed discussion about the game’s technology, it has been removed from consideration.
In a statement, the Indie Game Awards committee said:
The Indie Game Awards don’t allow games created with generative AI to be nominated or win. Sandfall Interactive initially stated that no generative AI was used in the making of their game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, on the day of the awards show, they admitted to using AI-generated art. Because of this, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been removed from the nominations.
I’m so excited! It looks like Sorry We’re Closed is winning Best Debut, and Blue Prince is taking home the big prize – Game of the Year! What fantastic news for both of those games!
This unexpectedly sparked new rumors that the game was also created with the help of AI, prompting its publisher, Raw Fury, to issue a statement.
The organisation said:
Blue Prince isn’t made with AI. It’s a completely human-created game, built over eight years by Tonda Ros and his team. They relied on their own imagination and creativity, and we’re incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished.
If you’re already getting bored with this topic, be aware that we’ve only just scratched the surface of it.
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- ARC Raiders – All NEW Quest Locations & How to Complete Them in Cold Snap
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Ashes of Creation Mage Guide for Beginners
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Fishing Guide in Where Winds Meet
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Berserk Writer Discuss New Manga Inspired by Brutal Series
- Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 Will Likely Follow the First Season’s Most Controversial Plot
- Eldegarde, formerly Legacy: Steel & Sorcery, launches January 21, 2026
2025-12-22 08:07