More placeholders sneaking into full releases, eh?
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has lost two Indie Game Awards after organisers (eventually) figured out it was released with in-game generative AI assets.
The awards’ FAQ stated that games that used generative AI would be “strictly ineligible” for nominations and awards, yet awarded Clair Obscur with both Game of the Year and Best Debut Game. Knowledge of Clair Obscur‘s generative AI usage has been all over the internet since April of this year.
Clair Obscur developer Sandfall said that generative AI was used in development for placeholder textures, but that some of those textures weren’t removed ahead of release. The assets — one of which can be seen above — have since been removed.
“In light of Sandfall Interactive confirming the use of gen AI art in production on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere, this does disqualify Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from its nomination,” the (poorly organised?) award organisers said in a statement. “While the assets in question were patched out and it is a wonderful game, it does go against the regulations we have in place.”
The changes mean that Blue Prince is The Indie Game Awards’ Game of the Year, and Sorry We’re Closed is Best Debut Game.
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