More Marathon, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and AI Controversy

In this edition of Timesphere, Cale and Scott dive into the future of games like Marathon, Highguard, and League of Legends, but the spotlight is once again put on developers and AI usage. Three different controversies surrounding Larian Studios, Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, and false allegations spread across the internet this week, so buckle up for a long conversation about each part heading into the new year.

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Sources for this episode (go support games media!):

Marathon thoughts:

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bungie-finally-confirms-a-marathon-release-date-and-40-price-point/

https://kotaku.com/marathon-art-director-joseph-cross-leaves-bungie-2000654665

Initial article and comments about Larian Exploring AI usage: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-12-16/-baldur-s-gate-3-maker-promises-divinity-will-be-next-level /

https://bsky.app/profile/jasonschreier.bsky.social/post/3ma5dqbmgm22o

Swen Vincke follow-up comments about Larian and AI exploration: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/holy-f-guys-were-not-replacing-artists-larian-boss-responds-to-ai-backlash/

The Indie Game Awards remove Expedition 33’s GotY win:

https://www.polygon.com/clair-obscur-expedition-33-indie-game-awards-goty-rescinded/

False allegations of AI usage levied against Blue Prince developer:

(Article, now edited) https://www.escapistmagazine.com/news-indie-game-awards-clair-obscur/

(Archived, original) https://bsky.app/profile/futterish.fsquared.biz/post/3majiygzav22i

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