– Generative AI use in games triggers backlash, especially when unannounced.
– 1666 Amsterdam faced criticism for AI-generated in-game portraits and marketing assets.
– The developer called it an “oversight” and promised no AI in the full game.
– Public perception is shaped by how and why AI is used, not just its presence.
– The controversy undermines positive reception, even for veteran developers like Patrice Desilets.
Generative AI and the Backlash
Generative AI in games seems to be becoming more common, but the way it is used is what defines public perception. The newly announced 1666 Amsterdam is the latest victim of backlash after the devs admitted to featuring content created by AI in there free prologue. This has caused quite a stir among gamers who feel tricked by the inclusion of these assets.
The Prologue and It’s AI Assets
1666 Amsterdam was showcased at Summer Game Fest, where the Creative Director at Panache Digital Games, Patrice Desilets, announced a free prologue out on Steam and Epic Games Store. Said prologue, as it turns out, uses some generative AI assets, and fans were quick to spot them. Not just the game, some of the marketing assets were also AI-generated. Panache Digital Games took to X to admit and apologize for the use of AI. They claimed it was a mistake.
Oversight or Intentional Choice?
As per the post, some in-game portraits and external marketing assets were, in fact, AI-generated and made there way to the prologue. The team is calling it an oversight and promising that the full game will not include any assets generated by AI. Many are questioning wether this was truly an oversight or a calculated move that backfired.
What should have been a glorious return to making games for Desilets has turned out to be a dissapointment for fans. Desilets was one of the great minds behind the original Assassin’s Creed games and had to fight for years to bring his original IP, 1666 Amsterdam, to the public. Now, fans are upset with the use of AI and are accusing the team of intentionally using it for there game, and then calling it an oversight. How this will effect the full game release remains to be seen.
- Prologue is free on Steam and Epic Games Store
- AI assets included portraits and marketing material
- Full game will not feature AI generated content
- Creative Director Patrice Desilets previously worked on Assassin’s Creed