Clair Obscur Producer Unwilling to Use AI

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AI in Indie Games: Clair Obscur’s Controversial Use of Generative Artwork

Generative AI in video games continues to spark discussion, especially after Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lost its awards at the Indie Game Awards for failing to disclose the presence of AI-generated assets, such as artwork, in the game. Sandfall Interactive stated that the art had been created provisionally and was intended to be replaced by original artwork from the team’s artists. However, this undisclosed use of generative AI during production led to the revocation of the awards.

Clair Obscur’s Human-Driven Development Amid AI Controversy in Indie Games

In a recent interview, Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive discussed the game. During the interview, Guillaume Broche addressed the controversy surrounding AI and its impact on both Sandfall and other studios, including Larian Studios. Broche affirmed that “everything in the game was done by humans. When AI emerged in 2022, we were already working on the game. Everything you saw was just a temporary stand-in for textures that weren’t finished yet. They got replaced once they were completed.” He added that AI was “merely a new tool” they tried and didn’t like, using it only to create provisional art for textures that was subsequently replaced. He emphasized that conceptual art, actor voiceovers, and everything else in the game were created by humans, and that “everything coming from us will be done by humans.” The events surrounding Clair Obscur highlight the ongoing discussion about AI in game development: 1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lost two awards at the 2025 Indie Game Awards. 2. Sandfall Interactive launched its role-playing game with placeholder textures made by generative AI before the Indie Game Awards. 3. The developer removed the textures five days after release, claiming they were accidentally included.

AI Controversy in Indie Games: Clair Obscur Disqualified for AI Art Use at Indie Game Awards

4. Francois Meurisse, co-founder and producer of Sandfall, has stated that they use some AI, noting that the technology has allowed them to do things previously thought impossible. 5. Larian Studios faced backlash after comments about their use of AI surfaced following the announcement of Divinity at The Game Awards. 6. Larian admitted to using generative AI for idea exploration, PowerPoint presentations, concept art creation, and writing placeholder text. 7. Larian boss Swen Vincke later addressed the backlash and promised an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session to answer fan questions. 8. The Indie Game Awards has a strict policy against the use of generative AI during nominations and the ceremony itself. Clair Obscur was disqualified for using generative AI art in production on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere. 9. The Indie Game Awards then gave each award to the next highest-ranked game in its category: Sorry We’re Closed now has Debut Game, and Blue Prince now has Game of the Year.

Ethics and AI Debate Erupts over Indie Game Controversy

The controversy began after Twitch streamer crizco and gaming content creator Sushi attended a private chat with Sandfall Interactive, with Sushi later obtaining a transcript from the QA session. These events underscore the complexities and ongoing debates surrounding the ethical and practical implications of AI in the video game industry.

In Case You Missed It

In other gaming news, French fans of the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur Expedition 33 might feel a pang of FOMO, but Ahmed Hassan’s recent post on Players for Life has some great news. Published December 17th, “Clair Obscur Expedition 33: Many Players Anticipated, But French Fans Feel Left Out” reveals how Sandfall Interactive is making amends for missed opportunities in the merchandise madness Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Announcement Many Players Anticipated, But French Fans Feel Left Out. Meanwhile, Carlos Mendoza explores another hot topic in his latest piece. Published December 20th, “Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Disqualified from Indie Game Awards for Generative AI Usage” Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Disqualified from Indie Game Awards for Generative AI Usage delves into the controversy surrounding the game’s use of generative AI and its impact on this year’s Independent Game Awards. And if that wasn’t enough, Jonathan Dubinski takes us back to Bullworth Academy with his 2025 piece, “Bully Gets a Free Innovation That All Fans Will Adore” Bully Gets a Free Innovation That All Fans Will Adore. Published on December 20th, this article explores the open-source project Bully Online, a mod inspired by GTA Online that brings new multiplayer features and improvements to the classic game.