Gaming Writer Tilly Hollyhead reflects on how generative AI usage sparked Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s fall from grace
One million copies sold within three days
In April 2025, Sandfall Interactive released Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, to the high praise of many players and critics. Many complimented the themes of recollection and humanity discussed within the narrative. The game’s profit reflected its success, with an estimated one million copies sold within three days of its initial release.
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only continued when the 2025 Game Awards rolled around. The game was nominated for thirteen awards and won nine, beating The Last of Us: Part II‘s record from 2020. Amongst these awards was Game of the Year, which Clair Obscur won at the Game Awards and its Indie equivalent.
Strange textures present in the game
It almost appeared as though Sandfall Interactive had created a game that set the industry standard for many years to come. However, their reputation took a sharp decline when users discovered their use of generative AI.
Users on the social media platform X swiftly disproved this claim when they found strange textures present in the game. For example, a wall meant to depict a variety of newspaper clippings appeared out of sorts. After further analysis, the anomalies present were seemingly consistent with those found in the products of artificial intelligence.
Sandfall Interactive quickly replaced the textures, claiming an oversight in quality control, but it was too late. The majority of players admonished the use of artificial intelligence, and the Indie Gaming Awards revoked their awards. The Blue Prince replaced Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the Game of the Year.
We may never know the developers’ true intentions
We may never know the developers’ true intentions, or if their use of AI was as minimal as they claimed. Personally, I find myself agreeing with the critics.
Although some consider video games a form of ‘low-brow’ entertainment, they provide many opportunities for those working in creative fields. Stories need to be written, characters designed, and various assets have to be brought to life by animators.
The rise of artificial intelligence has threatened the already struggling job security for these individuals. I personally believe that the most worthwhile forms of art are those that require the hardest work.
The best video games ever created have been labours of love, and using the tool that threatens to take away such passion goes against what the gaming industry stands for.
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