French publisher Ubisoft has confirmed that the launch version included a placeholder resource created using artificial intelligence tools. Year 177: Pax Romana.
As Kotaku notesa Reddit user viewed the background image and posted the offensive asset on the Anno subreddit. They highlighted what they believed was evidence of generative AI, including deformed hands, puzzling facial expressions, and two characters that appeared to be fused together.
When approached for comment, Ubisoft stated that the image was a placeholder that was missed during the review process. The company will replace the asset in the next patch.
“This image was a placeholder that accidentally missed our review. The final image is attached here and will replace the current version of this image with the upcoming 1.3 patch,” Ubisoft said in a statement to Kotaku.
“WITH 117: Pax Romana As our most ambitious Anno yet, we've assembled the largest team of artists ever to work on the franchise, and to help meet the unique scope of the project, they're using AI tools for iteration, prototyping and research. Every element players will experience in the final game reflects the team's skill, artistry and creative vision.”
Ubisoft previously confirmed that it used artificial intelligence tools to create some in-game assets on the platform. Steam page for Year 177: Pax Romana.
“AI tools have been used to create some of the game assets. In all such cases, the final product reflects the skill and creative vision of our team,” reads a disclosure of AI-generated content on the storefront.
A number of users on the Anno subreddit have expressed disappointment with the company's decision to use artificial intelligence tools to create works of art.
“Wow, this is incredibly disappointing. I fucking hate this. These screens conveyed to me so well the “atmosphere” of the setting in [Anno] 1800. And the game, in fact, tells its entire story through them. Shame,” wrote one user.
“I was suspicious whenever the loading screen came up, but now that you've posted it here, it's genuinely disappointing. They have more than enough money to pay artists to do this and they still choose this AI crap. Ugh,” another added.
Ubisoft isn't the first video game company to use artificial intelligence tools to create artistic assets. Earlier this year Alters developer 11 Bit Studios apologized after… failed to open that artificial intelligence-generated placeholder resources were used during production. One of these resources also appeared in the launch version of the game and was noticed by players, which led to an apology.
Notably, 11 Bit also confirmed that it is using AI-powered translation tools for “additional last-minute translations.”
Other major publishers such as EA, Embracer, Krafton, Microsoft and Square Enix have touted the supposed benefits of artificial intelligence tools in recent years, with executives at these companies often suggesting that the technology will reduce costs and streamline production.
Last GDC State of the Industry Surveyhowever, he pointed out that ordinary developers are not entirely receptive to generative AI tools.
