Indie Game Awards Disqualifies Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Over AI Use

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The Indie Game Awards has removed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and its developer Sandfall Interactive from winning Game of the Year and Debut Game after discovering the game used generative AI in its development.

The awards ceremony took place on December 18, where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 originally won both categories. However, Six One Indie, the organizers behind the show, announced the disqualification on Saturday afternoon.

The IGAs Nomination Committee is officially retracting Debut Game and Game of the Year, awarding both categories to new recipients. Additionally, we are retracting one of the Indie Vanguard recipients.

Full details can be found in our FAQ under Game Eligibility: www.indiegameawards.gg/faq
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— The Indie Game Awards (@indiegameawards.gg) December 21, 2025 at 2:45 AM

According to their statement, the discovery happened after voting had finished and the ceremony was already recorded. The Indie Game Awards maintains a strict policy against generative AI use throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony.

When Sandfall Interactive submitted Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for consideration, representatives from the studio confirmed that no generative AI was used in making the game. However, on the day the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiered, Sandfall Interactive confirmed they did use generative AI in development, which goes against the rules they agreed to follow.

“In light of Sandfall Interactive confirming the use of gen AI on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere, this does disqualify Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from its nomination,” Six One Indie stated.

Following the disqualification, the awards have been given to the runner-ups. Sorry We’re Closed now receives the Debut Game award, while Blue Prince takes home Game of the Year.

Six One Indie thanked the community for their patience and feedback during the situation. The organizers noted they are a small team with big goals and are looking forward to the 2026 ceremony.

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