The best discounts this week
Every week you can find the best discounts here.
Indie Game Awards Disqualifies Game of the Year Winner ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ Due to AI Usage
The Indie Game Awards (IGA) has stripped Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 of its “Game of the Year” and “Debut Game” titles following revelations that generative AI was used during its production. The decision underscores the organization’s strict zero-tolerance policy regarding AI-generated assets in nominated titles.
Violation of Nomination Commitment According to the IGA, the disqualification stems from a breach of the nomination agreement. A representative from Sandfall Interactive, the studio behind the acclaimed turn-based RPG, initially confirmed during the submission process that no generative AI was used in the game’s development. However, on the day of the awards premiere, the studio reportedly confirmed the use of AI-generated art in production.
In an official statement, the IGA clarified: “The Indie Game Awards have a hard stance on the use of gen AI throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony itself… In light of Sandfall Interactive confirming the use of gen AI art in production… this does disqualify Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from its nomination.”
Awards Reassigned Despite acknowledging that the assets in question were reportedly patched out and that the title remains “a wonderful game,” the committee maintained that the violation of regulations required immediate action. Consequently, the awards have been reassigned to the runners-up in their respective categories:
- Game of the Year: Now awarded to Blue Prince.
- Debut Game: Now awarded to Sorry We’re Closed.
A Year of Highs and Lows The disqualification comes amidst a commercially successful year for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Released in April, the game has reportedly sold over 5 million copies worldwide and received public praise from French President Emmanuel Macron. While the specific AI assets were not detailed by the IGA, community sleuths believe they have identified instances of AI imagery that have since been removed from the game.
