Tag: Indie Game Awards

Former Rare developer is blunt about Expedition 33: using AI instead of paying people shows they are a bunch of lazy people

The recent controversy surrounding the video game Expedition 33 has sparked a broad debate about the use of artificial intelligence in the video game development industry. Sandfall Interactive, the developer behind the successful JRPG, admitted to having used generative AI technology to create some temporary textures, which were removed five days after the game’s release. This decision triggered the revocation of the ‘Game of the Year’ award at the Indie Game Awards, which has generated significant reactions in the developer community. A criticism that will not sit well among fans Chris Seavor, former developer at Rare, […]

The recent controversy surrounding the video game Expedition 33 has sparked a broad debate about the use of artificial intelligence in the video game development industry. Sandfall Interactive, the developer behind the successful JRPG, admitted to having used generative AI technology to create some temporary textures, which were removed five days after the game’s release. This decision triggered the revocation of the ‘Game of the Year’ award at the Indie Game Awards, which has generated significant reactions in the developer community.

A criticism that will not sit well with fans

Chris Seavor, former developer at Rare, expressed his discontent on Bluesky, suggesting that using AI in this way shows a lack of effort on the part of developers. “Don’t be lazy and pay for your work,” emphasized Seavor, although he also admitted that the use of AI in development may be more common than one might think. For her part, independent developer PeachyAenne highlighted the importance of unity within the community when addressing these critical issues.

The controversy has also highlighted a division in the community regarding the use of AI. Daniel Vávra, writer of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, defended the implementation of AI, arguing that it can facilitate the creation of high-quality games with smaller teams, similar to the work dynamics of past eras. However, other developers, including former members of teams behind titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, criticized the lack of transparency from some companies, insisting on the need to respect the work of employees.

This debate highlights the complexity of integrating artificial intelligence into creative processes and raises questions about ethics in video game production, as the industry continues to evolve constantly.

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The next game from the studio behind Expedition 33 will not be bigger

The development of the game Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive has been a great success, selling over 5 million copies and winning a total of nine awards at The Game Awards, including the prestigious recognition of Game of the Year. However, despite this remarkable achievement, the studio leader, Guillaume Broche, has decided that they will not expand. In a recent interview, Broche explained that they prioritize creativity and the happiness of the team over business growth. I think it’s good to have limitations when you are creative, he stated, emphasizing the importance of making games that […]

The development of the game Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive has been a great success, selling over 5 million copies and winning a total of nine awards at The Game Awards, including the prestigious recognition of Game of the Year. However, despite this remarkable achievement, the studio leader, Guillaume Broche, has decided that they will not expand. In a recent interview, Broche explained that they prioritize creativity and the happiness of the team over business growth. I think it’s good to have limitations when you are creative, he stated, emphasizing the importance of making games that they themselves want to play.

They can do it, but they don’t want to

Although the landscape is playing favorably, with its success inspiring optimism about the future of independent and lower-budget games, Sandfall has faced controversies. The most notable was the revocation of its Game of the Year award at the Indie Game Awards, due to concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and the classification of the game as independent. This situation has sparked debates about the categorization of video games in the current industry.

Despite the success of Expedition 33 potentially leading the company to consider an increase in its staff and resources, Broche emphasized that they prefer to maintain a more intimate approach to video game creation. We don’t want to manage, we want to keep making games, he commented. Their philosophy focuses on adapting the game to the team rather than forcing the team to adapt to market demands. The best way to take care of people is to create something sincere, that has a strong soul and identity, Broche added.

Although Sandfall has not yet revealed details about its upcoming project, the big successes of Expedition 33 have made a mark on the industry, showing that it is possible for lower-budget games to find a place in a market dominated by expensive sequels.

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The director of Expedition 33 is blunt: "it's not about following processes, but about making a game that you want to play"

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent development by Sandfall Interactive, has become a benchmark of the JRPG genre in the Double A gaming scene. Directed by Guillaume Broche, the project is a tribute to classics from the golden age of Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy X, with a combat system reminiscent of the Dark Souls saga. Broche has defended the studio’s creative philosophy, which prioritizes enjoying the development process over conforming to player expectations: “It’s not about following processes, but about making a game that you want […]

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent development by Sandfall Interactive, has become a benchmark in the JRPG genre in the Double A gaming scene. Directed by Guillaume Broche, the project is a tribute to classics from the golden age of Japanese role-playing games like Final Fantasy X, featuring a combat system reminiscent of the Dark Souls saga. Broche has defended the studio’s creative philosophy, which prioritizes enjoying the development process over conforming to player expectations: “It’s not about following processes, but about making a game that you want to play.”

The player is not that important

Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the game, highlighted the collaborative nature of the development, where art, narrative, and music influenced each other. This approach has allowed for the creation of a cohesive world that reflects the team’s passion for the work. The influence of iconic titles on character design and the combat system underscores the team’s dedication to honoring their sources of inspiration while seeking to provide a unique and engaging experience for players.

Despite its initial success, the game faces a controversy that has marked its trajectory. Clair Obscur was disqualified from the Indie Game Awards just one day after being recognized as Game of the Year and Best Debut, due to the use of AI-generated images during its development. Although these elements were removed shortly after the release, the strict policy of the competition regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence invalidates its nomination. This situation highlights the challenges developers face in an ever-evolving environment with increasingly strict regulations.

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