Fans Outraged as The Alters’ Use of Hidden Gen AI in Images, Text, and Translations is Unearthed

Players are speaking out against the game The Alters, developed by 11 Bit Studios. They’ve found AI-generated text in the game, including in subtitles and flavor text, and many feel this should have been disclosed. Since January 2024, Valve’s Steam platform has required developers to inform users if they use AI in their games, including for artwork and programming. So far, The Alters hasn’t revealed any such use.

One example noted by players involved an in-game screen filled with scientific jargon that began with an AI-style prompt. A Brazilian player pointed out that the subtitles often go haywire, showing unusual translations that seem derived from AI. In one instance, a subtitle read: "Sure! The text translated to Brazilian Portuguese is: Every conversation two people can have, right? So we—"

Many players feel upset. One stated, “It’s unacceptable that 11 Bit Studios didn’t disclose AI use. We should know what we’re buying.” Others, however, downplayed the situation, arguing that the problematic text was inconsequential.

Lucile Danilov, a game localization expert, had strong opinions. She praised The Alters overall but lamented the AI prompts left in the game. Danilov suggested that the mistakes could be due to a careless translator or a lack of oversight from the developers.

The concerns aren’t isolated to just one language. Handong Ryu, who translated the game into Korean, confirmed similar issues in that version. He noted significant backlash from the Korean gaming community, expressing disappointment over the situation, especially since he didn’t have control over the AI-driven sections.

Despite the issues, The Alters has garnered praise for its storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Reviewer Bertie from Eurogamer gave it 4 out of 5 stars, noting its unique narrative style.

At present, 11 Bit Studios has not responded to player concerns. This situation underscores the growing debate over AI’s role in game development. As technology evolves, players will likely continue to voice their opinions on transparency and quality in gaming.

For further insights on the use of AI in games, check out Ed’s perspective on AI tools in development, which discusses their growing importance.

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