Yes—but the distinction matters. Producer François Meurisse told EL PAÍS that Sandfall Interactive used “some AI, but not much.” The studio later specified that generative AI was briefly used to make temporary placeholder textures; some instances were missed in quality assurance and appeared in the release. Sandfall said they were replaced within five days and that no generative-AI-created assets remain in the game.
What did the producer say about AI?
In an interview published by EL PAÍS on July 19, 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 producer François Meurisse said: “We use some AI, but not much.” He added: “The key is that we were very clear about what we wanted to do and what to invest in.” His first remark was a broad description of the studio’s AI use, not a detailed account of which tools or assets were involved. Read the interview in EL PAÍS.
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Monolith Set Collector's Edition | $550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What AI assets were in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Sandfall Interactive later added a clarification to the EL PAÍS article. The studio said some team members briefly experimented with AI tools after they became available in 2022, generating temporary placeholder textures. Some placeholder texture instances were missed during QA and made it into the released game. The studio said those instances were replaced within five days of release with the textures originally intended for the game, and that no generative-AI-created assets remain.
Sandfall also addressed other pre-existing assets, including 3D assets from the Unreal Engine Marketplace, saying those assets were not AI-created. The clarification, as reported in the later-published article, says the studio was in contact with EL PAÍS about this on April 25, 2025. The publication date of the interview itself was July 19, 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- Reactive Turn-based Combat: Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and &character synergies
- Dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system
- With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, & fellow Expeditioners as they embark on a desperate quest to break Paintress’ cycle of death
- Explore an enchanting realm populated by adversaries; Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield
- Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack
| Statement | What it establishes | Status of assets |
|---|---|---|
| François Meurisse to EL PAÍS, July 19, 2025 | A broad statement that the studio used “some AI, but not much.” | It does not specify particular tools or assets. |
| Sandfall Interactive’s clarification carried by EL PAÍS | Brief generative-AI experimentation produced temporary placeholder textures; some were missed during QA. | Sandfall said the instances were replaced within five days of release and no generative-AI-created assets remain. |
Why did the Indie Game Awards take back Expedition 33’s awards?
The Indie Game Awards presented Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with Game of the Year and Best Debut Game on December 18, 2025. After the AI-use clarification surfaced, the organization rescinded both honors on December 21–22. Its stated position was that nominees must meet its standard against generative AI. Mike Towndrow of the nomination committee told PC Gamer: “We have a hard stance against gen AI in videogames, it’s something we talk about throughout the year when discussing any potential nominees.”
The awards went instead to Blue Prince for Game of the Year and Sorry We’re Closed for Best Debut Game. Those are the replacement recipients displayed by the Indie Game Awards. The decision reflects that organization’s eligibility standard; it does not establish a universal rule for game awards or a legal finding about Sandfall.
Rank #2
- Reactive Turn-based Combat - In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Build your party and level up six characters. Craft unique builds for your expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat - dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free-aim system.
- “Tomorrow Comes” - With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds.
- A Hauntingly Beautiful World - Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend and recruit a special companion who can access new travel methods and secret areas in the World Map.
- Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack.
- European/ UK version
Did Expedition 33 lose every Game of the Year award?
No. The rescission applied to the Indie Game Awards’ Game of the Year and Best Debut Game honors. Separately, GameSpot reported that Expedition 33 won Game of the Year at The Game Awards. The two organizations’ results should not be conflated: the Indie Game Awards reversed its own decision, while that report concerns a different awards body.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Sandfall say later about generative AI?
In an interview published by GamesRadar+ in July 2026, creative director Guillaume Broche said Sandfall was not using generative AI for creative work, while describing administrative and coding uses as conditional. That later statement is context about the studio’s approach at that time; it does not alter the account of temporary placeholder textures in the earlier release.
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- Engaging Storyline: Dive into a rich, narrative-driven adventure with unexpected twists.
- Complex Puzzles: Test your problem-solving skills with challenging puzzles.
- Immersive World: Explore a visually stunning alien planet with breathtaking details and treacherous terrain.
EL PAÍS reported that Expedition 33 sold 3.5 million copies in its first month on the market in 2025. That is a first-month figure reported at the time, not a current lifetime sales total.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COLLECTOR'S EDITION SET: Premium Monolith Set for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 featuring an exclusive collectible statue, expedition journal, and decorative outer box for fans and collectors
- DETAILED MONOLITH STATUE: Intricately designed collectible statue featuring the iconic Expedition 33 monolith with weathered stone textures, gold accents, and atmospheric detailing that captures the game's dark fantasy aesthetic
- EXPEDITION JOURNAL: Exclusive hardcover journal with themed artwork and design elements from the game, perfect for notes, sketches, or as a display piece alongside the statue
- PREMIUM PACKAGING: Comes in a striking collector's box featuring dramatic character artwork with rose petal effects and distressed design elements that reflect the game's mysterious atmosphere
- PERFECT FOR DISPLAY: The monolith statue serves as an impressive centerpiece for any gaming collection or display shelf, celebrating the unique world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Rank #4
- This is KOEAN VERSION released in South Korea. Region Free title so you can play it on your system.
- Language: Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
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