11 Bit Studios is currently under scrutiny for allegedly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content in its newly launched survival game, The Alters. A player recently reported discovering AI-generated text within the game, posting a screenshot that appeared to illustrate a response generated by an AI tool. In light of the claims, 11 Bit Studios has confirmed that AI-generated assets were initially used as placeholders during development but were not intended for inclusion in the final version. The studio plans to issue an update to eliminate these AI-generated elements from the game.
11 Bit Studios Acknowledges AI Content in The Alters
In a statement shared on Bluesky Monday, the developer remarked that generative AI was also employed for a limited number of in-game translations. These translations will be revised in an upcoming patch, which will feature new translations conducted by reliable agencies.
“We have received numerous accusations surrounding the use of AI-generated content in The Alters, and we find it crucial to clarify our approach and provide additional context,” stated 11 Bit Studios.
“AI-generated assets were utilized strictly as temporary works-in-progress during development and in a very limited capacity. Our commitment to meaningful, handcrafted storytelling has always been one of the key pillars of our game.”
The developer further explained that an AI-generated text meant to serve as a background graphic asset was utilized by a graphical designer as a placeholder, and this was never intended for the final game. Due to an internal oversight, this particular placeholder text was inadvertently included in the final build. A detailed review has confirmed that this was an isolated incident, and efforts are underway to update the asset in question. To maintain transparency, the studio has also provided a screenshot to illustrate the context of where the text appears in the game. While not diminishing the importance of the issue, 11 Bit Studios aims to clearly convey its limited effect on the overall gaming experience.
The graphic asset in dispute is the same one shared by Reddit user EarthlingKira last week. The screenshot displayed a segment of text within the game, starting with the phrase, “Sure, here’s a revised version focusing purely on scientific and astronomical data:”, typically associated with AI-generated replies.
Additionally, 11 Bit Studios acknowledged the use of AI for a minor percentage of translations within the game, specifically for licensed films that characters can view in their base. The studio indicated that these films were integrated late in the development process, and AI was utilized to localize the videos due to time pressures.
“We intended to involve our trusted translation agencies post-release as part of our localization hotfix to ensure that these texts receive the same level of quality and care as the rest of the game. This process is currently in progress, with updated translations being implemented,” the developer affirmed.
11 Bit Studios reported that AI-generated translations constituted only 0.3 percent of the total text featured in the game, emphasizing that it should have been more transparent regarding the use of AI in The Alters.
“As AI technology evolves, it introduces new challenges and opportunities within game development. We are actively adjusting our internal processes to adapt to this reality. Ultimately, we are committed to transparency in our game development practices, and we appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive towards this goal,” the studio added.
The Role of AI in Gaming
The emergence of generative AI has begun to impact the gaming industry, coinciding with video game performers advocating against AI’s integration into games. This industrial action concluded last month following an agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and game studios.
Popular gaming platform Steam now mandates that developers disclose the utilization of AI in their titles, including an explanation of how AI has been employed during development.
Last year, Activision faced backlash for allegedly selling AI-generated cosmetic items for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Recently, Microsoft launched public testing of its Copilot for Gaming AI Chatbot on the beta version of the Xbox mobile app. Earlier this year, the gaming giant introduced its Muse AI model, capable of generating 3D gameplay environments.
The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 catalyzed the widespread adoption of AI across various industries, including film, television, gaming, and graphic design. However, this aggressive push towards AI has encountered resistance from artists, creatives, and publishers, who have accused companies such as OpenAI, Meta, Google, and others of using their work—be it films, literature, art, music, or journalism—without proper licensing to train their AI systems.
