The Indie Game Awards has issued an official response following reports of developers utilizing generative AI tools in their projects.
In a recent interview, Larian Studios disclosed that AI-driven tools are being integrated into the development process of the upcoming Divinity title.
This revelation sparked a wave of backlash within the gaming community, leading to the discovery that the team behind the acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had also employed artificial intelligence.
What started as social media criticism quickly escalated into a movement that has already yielded significant consequences.
Consequently, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been stripped of its “Game of the Year” and “Best Debut” titles, which were originally presented during The Indie Game Awards on December 18.
Show organizers at Six One Indie released a formal statement clarifying their stance:
The Indie Game Awards maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of generative AI throughout both the nomination process and the awards ceremony. Upon submitting their application, Sandfall Interactive representatives explicitly confirmed that generative AI was not utilized in the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Following Sandfall Interactive’s confirmation of generative AI use on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been disqualified from all categories.
Following the disqualification of Expedition 33, the awards have been redistributed to the original runners-up:
- “Best Debut” — Sorry We’re Closed
- “Game of the Year” — Blue Prince
Source: iXBT.games