In a turn of events that has captured the gaming community’s attention, the acclaimed game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 finds itself at the center of controversy. Following its triumph at The Game Awards 2025, where it took home the Game of the Year accolade, the game now faces backlash and has lost two honors from the Indie Game Awards due to its use of generative AI.
AI Controversy Unfolds
Sandfall Interactive, the studio behind this record-breaking RPG, initially released the game with some textures created using generative AI. The developers quickly replaced these textures five days post-launch, claiming they were included unintentionally. This incident went largely unnoticed until comments by Sandfall co-founder François Meurisse resurfaced. In a July interview with El País, Meurisse discussed the role of technology, including minimal use of AI, in enhancing the game’s development.
The comments reemerged amidst a broader industry discussion about AI usage, spurred by reactions to Larian’s Divinity announcement at The Game Awards. Reports indicate that Larian has been exploring AI to aid in various stages of game development. Despite acknowledging AI’s limited impact on efficiency, Larian promised further transparency through an upcoming AMA session.
Award Retractions and Industry Reactions
As scrutiny intensified, the Indie Game Awards retracted Clair Obscur’s Game of the Year and Debut Game awards. According to their statement, the awards were withdrawn because Sandfall Interactive confirmed using generative AI art, which violated the regulations. Although the AI-generated assets were quickly removed, the committee decided to disqualify the game. Consequently, the awards have been reassigned to the next highest-ranked contenders, with Sorry We’re Closed and Blue Prince emerging as the new honorees.
Meanwhile, El País updated its article to include Sandfall’s clarification on the matter, emphasizing their limited use of pre-existing, non-AI assets, and the removal of any AI-generated placeholders within days of the game’s release.
Debate on AI in Game Development
The role of AI in video game creation continues to spark debate. Recent instances include Ubisoft retracting an AI-generated image in Anno 117: Pax Romana and fan concerns over AI assets in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Similar backlash has been faced by developers like 11 Bit Studios and Frontier Developments for undisclosed AI usage.
In light of these controversies, industry leaders are voicing their opinions. Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney has criticized Valve’s requirement for developers to disclose AI-generated content on Steam, calling for a reconsideration of such policies.
Valve’s current regulations necessitate clear disclosure of AI use, as exemplified by Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders, which notes AI’s role in development while ensuring the final product showcases the team’s creativity.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, once celebrated for its achievements, now stands amidst debate over the ethical implications of AI usage in gaming.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.