The controversy surrounding the disqualification of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from the 2025 Indie Game Awards has had repercussions. Sandfall Interactive’s RPG was stripped of its awards for using generative AI.
Some internet users defended Expedition 33, stating that independent titles such as Blue Prince also used artificial intelligence during their development. However, publisher Raw Fury clarified the situation, stating that AI was not used for Blue Prince.
“For people that need confirmation: There is no AI used in Blue Prince. The game was built and crafted with full human instinct by Tonda Ros, Dogubomb & his team. It is the result of eight years of development, fuelled by imagination and creativity, and we are extremely proud of what Tonda has achieved.”
Since Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was disqualified, Blue Prince got crowned Game of the Year in its place at the Indie Game Awards.
It’s interesting to see the ongoing discussions around the use of generative AI in game development. The situation with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 certainly highlights the complexities in the industry. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds!