Why is the Video Game of the Year Controversial?

Video: The Pepper Bough examines the A.I. controversy surrounding “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,” the Game of the Year.

Samantha Arias, Pepper Bough Staff Writer • February 24, 2026

What makes “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” a controversial video game?

Few video games receive the immediate acclaim bestowed upon “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” when it was released last year. Critics praised it. Fans adored it. And it took home several awards, including “Indie Game of the Year” at the Indie Game Awards, and “Video Game of the Year” at the annual Golden Joystick Awards.

Yet, with all its success, “Clair Obscur” and its developer, Sandfall Interactive, found itself mired in controversy surrounding the use of generative artificial intelligence for elements of the game. Awards were rescinded, and this remarkable game now finds itself at the center of a conversation involving use of AI in video games.

Our writer, Sami Arias, takes a closer look at this story in her video examination.

Video Games

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