'Clair Obscur' Is Dropped As GOTY By The Indie Game Awards Due To AI Use

Video Games

Dec 29

Claire Obscur Expedition 33 Wallpaper — Image Source: Steam Community

Despite receiving widespread critical praise, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the game voiced by actor Charlie Cox, was swiftly stripped of its two Indie Game Awards honors. The decision sparked debate within the community, with some calling it an unjust overreaction to the game’s minimal use of AI, while others viewed it as a necessary step to properly recognize smaller, truly independent titles over well funded studios labeled as indie. However, a statement from Mike Towndrow, Creative Director at Six One Indie and organizer of The Indie Game Awards, made the organization’s stance clear.

"The Indie Game Awards have a hard stance on the use of gen AI throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony itself," Mike Towndrow stated. "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," he later announced on a video hosted on bsky

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The decision came as a surprise to many, as the use of AI assets was display-only and had been patched out just five days after the game’s release. Amid the debate, however, two deserving titles have stepped into the spotlight, moving from runner-ups to category winners. The Indie Game Awards committee officially awarded Best Debut Game to Sorry We’re Closed and named Blue Prince as the new Game of the Year.

Putting aside the ongoing debate that continues to evolve as the use of AI looms over every corner of the gaming industry, the controversy ultimately brought meaningful attention to two highly deserving indie titles. While much of the attention centered on policy and definitions, the outcome ensured that smaller independent developers received significant recognition for their work.

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