Overview
- The IGA reallocated Game of the Year to Blue Prince and Debut Game to Sorry We're Closed, with new acceptance speeches expected in early 2026.
- Organizers said a Sandfall representative had affirmed during submission that no generative AI was used, but later confirmation triggered disqualification under IGA policy.
- The awards’ eligibility FAQ states that any title developed using generative AI is strictly ineligible, a stance reiterated in a committee video.
- Sandfall says AI was used only for temporary placeholder textures during early experimentation, a few shipped by mistake at launch, and all were replaced within five days, with none remaining now.
- The reversal intensifies industry scrutiny over AI use and indie eligibility even as Clair Obscur retains major accolades, including a record haul at The Game Awards.