The 2025 Game of the Year winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is caught in a growing controversy over its use of generative AI tools during development. What started as a record-breaking night at The Game Awards has turned into a conversation about transparency, AI ethics, and indie game standards.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Clair Obscur Expedition 33 AI situation—from what the developers actually did to why awards are being taken away.
Expedition 33’s Record-Breaking Success
Before we dive into the controversy, let’s establish just how massive this game became.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, was a critical darling throughout 2025. The turn-based RPG launched on April 24 and immediately became a frontrunner in Game of the Year discussions.
The Game Awards 2025 dominance:
- Won 9 awards at The Game Awards—the most in the show’s history
- Surpassed The Last of Us Part 2’s previous record of 7 awards (set in 2020)
- Took home the coveted Game of the Year trophy
Everything seemed perfect. Then old developer comments resurfaced, and the narrative shifted dramatically.
How Did Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Use AI?
Yes, Sandfall Interactive confirmed they used generative AI during Expedition 33’s development—but the context matters.
The Original Admission
Producer François Meurisse first mentioned AI usage in a July 19, 2025 interview with Spanish outlet El País.
“We use some AI, but not much,” Meurisse stated at the time.
This comment didn’t cause waves initially. The controversy only exploded in December 2025 when the statement gained traction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), after The Game Awards.
What Exactly Was AI Used For?
According to Sandfall Interactive’s official statement, AI was used specifically for generating temporary placeholder textures.
Here’s their explanation:
“When the first AI tools became available in 2022, some members of the team briefly experimented with them to generate temporary placeholder textures.”
The problem: Some of these AI-generated placeholders accidentally made it into the game’s launch version.
What players noticed:
- Quirky, oddly-textured newspaper clippings on walls
- Various texture inconsistencies that seemed “off”
- Elements that didn’t match the game’s overall polish
The developer response: Within five days of the April launch, Sandfall Interactive deployed an update across all platforms replacing these assets “with the correct textures that had always been intended for release.”
According to the developers, these AI-generated placeholders were “missed during the Quality Assurance process”—essentially, they slipped through the cracks before launch.
Why the Clair Obscur AI Controversy Matters Now
If the AI textures were replaced back in April, why is this blowing up in December?
Two key reasons:
- Timing: The controversy reignited immediately after Expedition 33’s historic Game Awards sweep, putting the issue under an intense spotlight
- Transparency concerns: Some feel the developers weren’t upfront enough about AI usage during the awards submission process
The gaming community is deeply divided on AI usage in game development, with many indie developers and players taking a hard stance against generative AI tools.
Indie Game Awards Rescind Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Honors
The controversy has real consequences. The Indie Game Awards, an indie-focused event that started in 2024, took decisive action.
What Happened:
December 18, 2025: Expedition 33 wins both Best Debut Game and Game of the Year at The Indie Game Awards
December 21, 2025: Both awards are rescinded after AI usage confirmation
The Official Explanation:
“The Indie Game Awards have a hard stance on the use of gen AI,” their statement reads. “When [Expedition 33] was submitted for consideration, a representative of Sandfall Interactive agreed that no gen AI was used in the development.”
After the July comments resurfaced, The Indie Game Awards contacted Sandfall Interactive directly. The developers confirmed the AI usage (as outlined above), leading to immediate disqualification.
“While the assets in question were patched out, and it is a wonderful game, it does go against the regulations we have in place.”
The replacement winners:
- Best Debut Game: ‘Sorry We’re Closed’
- Game of the Year: ‘Blue Prince’
The Broader Implications for Game Development
This situation highlights the ongoing tension in the gaming industry around AI tools.
Key questions being asked:
- Should any AI usage disqualify games from awards, even if used only for temporary placeholders?
- How much transparency should developers provide about their development tools?
- Do different standards apply to AAA studios versus indie developers?
The Indie Game Awards’ strict “no AI” policy reflects a growing sentiment in indie gaming circles that generative AI threatens artists’ livelihoods and creative integrity.
Meanwhile, others argue that using AI for mundane placeholder work (later replaced by human artists) shouldn’t be controversial—especially when developers are transparent about it.
What’s Next for Clair Obscur Expedition 33?
Despite the controversy, Expedition 33 retains its 9 Game Awards trophies. The Game Awards haven’t indicated any plans to revoke recognition, and the game remains a commercial and critical success.
However, this situation serves as a cautionary tale about:
- The importance of thorough QA processes
- Being upfront about development tools and methods
- Understanding award submission requirements
- The evolving standards around AI in creative industries
As the gaming industry continues grappling with AI’s role in development, expect more conversations—and controversies—like this one.
The bottom line: Sandfall Interactive used AI for temporary placeholder textures in 2022-2023, some accidentally shipped with the game, they were patched out within days of launch, but the disclosure timing and award submission claims have sparked legitimate debate about transparency and AI ethics in game development.
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