The Indie Game Awards has decided to revoke two awards that were previously granted to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This decision stems not from the ongoing debate regarding what qualifies as an “indie” game, but due to the revelation that a representative from Sandfall Interactive falsely stated that no generative AI was utilized in the game’s development, when it actually was.

According to a statement from the nomination committee, “The Indie Game Awards maintain a strict policy against the use of generative AI throughout both the nomination process and the awards ceremony. When Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was submitted, a Sandfall Interactive representative confirmed that generative AI was not involved in its creation.”

Upon confirming the use of generative AI art in the game’s production on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere, the committee concluded that this disqualified the game from its nominations.

In a video announcement and statement on their official website, the awards team highlighted that although “the assets in question had been removed and the game remains exceptional,” the breach of regulations necessitated the revocation of the awards.

As a consequence, the nomination committee has officially retracted the Debut Game and Game of the Year awards, reallocating both to the next highest-rated games in their respective categories. Sorry We’re Closed will now receive the Debut Game award, while Blue Prince is awarded Game of the Year. Acceptance speeches for these awards will be recorded and shared in the upcoming year.

While the Indie Game Awards has not disclosed the specific images that prompted this action, fans speculate they may have identified them. Allegedly, these images have been removed, ensuring no generative AI elements remain in the game.

Since its launch in April, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved significant success, garnering widespread acclaim and impressive sales figures. By May, the developer announced they had sold 3.3 million copies, with that number rising to over 5 million by October across all platforms. The game’s success has even attracted the attention of French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed that its recognition as Game of the Year represents “great pride for Montpellier and for France.”