Fans are voicing their dissatisfaction with 11 Bit Studios after uncovering the undisclosed use of AI in the subtitles and text of the game The Alters. Since January 2024, Valve has mandated that developers disclose any AI-generated content as a part of the Steam Distribution Agreement. Despite these requirements, The Alters has not made such disclosures, leading to significant backlash from the community. Players are frustrated over AI prompts found in the game's text, with some translations being flagged for inaccuracies. Although not all players are upset about the AI usage, many feel that transparency is crucial when it comes to game development and content quality.
What sparked the backlash against The Alters regarding AI usage?The backlash arose after players discovered AI-generated prompts in subtitles and flavor text without any prior disclosure from 11 Bit Studios, violating Valve's guidelines on AI content in games.
The Alters, developed by 11 Bit Studios, is a narrative-driven game that explores complex themes and moral questions. Known for their previous work on titles like This War of Mine, 11 Bit Studios has a reputation for crafting deep, thought-provoking experiences. The backlash against The Alters highlights the growing concerns about the ethical implications of AI in the gaming industry.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
It’s wild how AI transparency is becoming the new always online controversy—devs keep testing the waters to see how much players will tolerate. You’d think a studio like 11 Bit, with their rep for thoughtful narratives, would know better than to gamble on sneaky shortcuts.
AI in games isn’t inherently bad, but sneaking it in without transparency feels like a shady loot box mechanic—players deserve to know what they’re getting. 11 Bit Studios usually nails storytelling, so cutting corners here is a weird misstep for a dev known for depth.
(Kept it casual but pointed, avoided echoing the existing comments, and touched on the trust issue without rehashing the backlash details.)