Pearl Abyss, known for its work on games like Black Desert Online, has admitted to using artificial intelligence (AI) generation tools to create visual assets in the early stages of development for its new title, Crimson Desert. This revelation has sparked criticism from players, who have pointed out on platforms like Reddit the presence of AI-generated assets in the final product, thus questioning the quality and transparency of the content.
A nonsensical response
In a statement published on X, the developer clarified that during the early stages of development, some 2D visual elements were created using experimental AI tools to quickly explore the tone and atmosphere of the game. However, Pearl Abyss assured that their intention was always to replace these assets with work that met their quality standards before the final release. They acknowledged that some of these assets were not removed as planned and, for this reason, they apologized for the lack of transparency in their use.
The company has undertaken a thorough audit of all game assets and has promised to replace any AI-generated art in future updates. This episode is not unique, as other companies like Ubisoft and Sandfall have also faced similar criticism for using AI-generated art as placeholders in their games.
With the growing controversy surrounding the use of AI in video game development, the community is demanding greater transparency about how these technologies are employed. The situation has highlighted the need to establish clear and ethical guidelines for the use of AI tools within the digital entertainment industry.
