By IndieGame.com Editorial Team — December 21, 2025 (Updated December 22, 2025)
The acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which swept nine categories at The Game Awards 2025, has been disqualified from the Indie Game Awards, with its previously announced wins officially revoked.
On December 20 (local time), Six One Indie, the organizer of the Indie Game Awards, released a formal statement confirming that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has lost eligibility for both Game of the Year and Best Debut Game due to violations of the event’s rules regarding generative AI usage.
Disqualification Due to Generative AI Asset Use
The Indie Game Awards maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy on the use of generative AI in submitted works. During the submission process, developer Sandfall Interactive confirmed that no generative AI had been used in the development of Expedition 33.
However, on the day of the awards ceremony, producer François Meurisse acknowledged that some generative AI–created art assets were used during development. Although those assets were later removed through post-release patches, Six One Indie ruled that the disclosure constituted a direct violation of eligibility requirements, resulting in immediate disqualification.
Six One Indie stated that the rules apply regardless of whether the AI-generated content remains in the final build.
Awards Reassigned to Runner-Up Titles
Following the disqualification:
- Game of the Year was reassigned to Blue Prince
- Best Debut Game was awarded to Sorry We’re Closed
The respective developers, Dogubomb and à la mode games, have been notified, and acceptance speeches are currently being recorded. The award acceptance videos are scheduled for public release in early 2026.
No Impact on The Game Awards Results
The decision does not affect the game’s historic performance at The Game Awards. Earlier this month, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 became the most-awarded title in TGA history, winning nine trophies, including:
- Game of the Year (GOTY)
- Best Game Direction
- Best Narrative
- Best Art Direction
- Best Score & Music
- Best Indie Game
- Best Debut Indie Game
- Best RPG
- Best Performance
As of publication, The Game Awards organization has issued no response to the Indie Game Awards’ decision, and all TGA honors remain intact.
AI Use Controversy Reignites Industry Debate
The disqualification has reignited ongoing debates surrounding AI use in game development. Recent remarks from Larian Studios regarding potential AI-assisted workflows in future Divinity projects have already fueled polarized opinions within the industry.
While some developers argue that AI tools can assist small teams and improve efficiency, others strongly oppose their use—particularly in art and narrative creation, citing ethical, creative, and labor concerns.
Six One Indie emphasized that its stance reflects community values rather than technological opposition, stating:
“We are a small organization with big ambitions, and the Indie Game Awards can only exist through community trust and support.”
A Celebrated Game, Despite the Setback
Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG set in a Belle Époque–inspired world, praised for its artistic direction, emotional narrative, and hybrid real-time/turn-based combat system.
Since its release in April 2025, the game has reportedly sold over 5 million copies worldwide and currently holds a 95% positive rating on Steam, underscoring its continued popularity among players despite the awards controversy.
The decision marks one of the most high-profile examples to date of an awards body drawing a clear line on generative AI usage, and it is likely to influence how indie developers approach transparency, tooling, and disclosure going forward.
