In a surprising turn of events, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that had just won two prestigious awards at the Indie Game Awards 2025, has been stripped of its accolades. This decision by Six One Indie, the organizers of the awards, has sparked a considerable debate in the gaming community, revolving around the ethical use of generative AI in game development.
The controversy centers on the use of generative AI in the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Sandfall Interactive, the developers of the game, admitted to using AI-generated assets, which violated the rules of the Indie Game Awards. The decision to disqualify the game was made after The Indie Game Awards confirmed this use, leading to the revocation of both awards. The game's producer, François Meurisse, confirmed the use of AI, which was a clear breach of the competition's regulations.
The disqualification has stirred up significant controversy within the gaming community. Some argue that the use of AI in game development is a natural progression, given the rapid advancements in AI technology. Others see it as an unethical shortcut that undermines the creativity and hard work of traditional game development. The decision to strip Clair Obscur of its awards, particularly the Game of the Year (GOTY) title, has left many players and developers questioning the boundaries of fair play in the gaming industry.
The Indie Game Awards organizers have defended their decision, stating that the use of AI-generated assets contravenes the competition's rules. The rules clearly specify that all entries must be original creations without the aid of generative AI. The organizers have emphasized that this rule is in place to ensure the integrity of the awards and to encourage innovative and authentic game development.
While the disqualification of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has certainly cast a shadow over the Indie Game Awards, it has also opened up a broader conversation about the use of AI in game development. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly difficult to draw a clear line between what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use. Developers and players alike are grappling with these issues, and it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to these challenges in the future.
