The rules are the rules
Last week, the list of big winners from the Indie Game Awards came out, and it’s Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 who won the jackpot with the title of best game of the year and first best game. But today, Six One Indie decided to backpedal when it discovered that Sandfall Interactive had used generative AI during the development of the game, something which is prohibited in the competition rules :
“ The Indie Game Awards are uncompromising about the use of generative AI during the nomination process and ceremony. When Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was submitted, a Sandfall Interactive representative confirmed that no generated AI was used in its development. However, Sandfall Interactive confirmed the use of AI-generated graphics on the same day as the 2025 Indie Game Awards ceremony, which disqualifies Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Although the elements in question have been fixed and the game is excellent, their use violates our policies. Therefore, the IGA Nominating Committee has decided to officially withdraw the Best Debut Game and Game of the Year awards.. »
By taking a look at the rules of nomination, it is effectively written in black and white that generative AI must not be used to be eligible for this award ceremony. The decision can therefore be understood, given that everyone is free to set their own rules, and that the candidates must submit to them.
To add a little nuance, this also reflects a lack of research on the part of Six One Indie, given that the information regarding the use of generative AI does not date from yesterday, but from the game’s release last April. Decorative elements (like posters on the walls) had indeed been generated this way, and the studio then decided to release an update to replace them with elements created by real artists. This whole mess could therefore have been avoided if things had been made clear from the start on both sides.
Prizes previously awarded to Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 were therefore redistributed. It is Blue Prince which is named best game of the year, while Sorry, We’re Closed leaves with the prize for best first game (it is also available on the Epic Games Store until 5 p.m. today).