11 Bit Studios has recently confirmed that its sci-fi game, The Alters, utilizes generative AI content, albeit in a “very limited manner.” The game, launched on June 13, has received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans, earning a score of 86 on OpenCritic. However, the use of AI in the game has sparked controversy, prompting the developer to address the situation publicly. The Alters stands out in the gaming landscape due to its engaging survival gameplay that incorporates cloning in a unique and entertaining way.
This originality has contributed to its positive reception. In light of the growing discussions about the use of AI, 11 Bit Studios released a statement admitting that generative AI was employed to create temporary assets during development. Unfortunately, a placeholder texture containing AI-generated text unintentionally made it into the final version of the game due to an internal oversight. Additionally, AI was used to translate certain in-game movies during the final stages of development due to time constraints.
The studio has committed to rectifying these issues, emphasizing that they had “limited impact” on the overall experience. In responding to the announcement, many players expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled. Some users suggested that the placeholder text should have been “Lorem Ipsum,” while others felt that transparency regarding AI-generated assets should have been prioritized. Notably, Steam has a policy that mandates the disclosure of AI-generated content, yet The Alters lacks such a declaration, which some speculate may relate to the minimal use of AI.
With the initial reactions to the developer’s statement being largely negative, it remains to be seen how The Alters team will manage the fallout from this controversy. Meanwhile, players can anticipate the eventual replacement of AI-generated assets with alternatives created by human designers.