Crunchyroll has recently attracted attention for its new anime series, which showcases some glaring issues with its subtitles, reportedly linked to the use of ChatGPT technology.
Viewers tuning in to Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show discovered that the subtitles were riddled with errors, including typos and awkward phrasing. Some lines contained direct references to ChatGPT, suggesting an unedited output from an AI system rather than a carefully crafted translation.
While it is not uncommon for subtitles to have mistakes, the absurdity of phrases like “Is gameorver. if you fall, you are out” raises concerns. The use of “ChatGPT said” at the beginning of certain lines further implies that these subtitles were generated by AI without sufficient human oversight.
Crunchyroll has expressed a willingness to incorporate AI in various aspects of its operations as it aims to evolve into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. However, this latest incident contradicts previous statements from the company’s president, Rahul Purini, regarding the avoidance of AI-generated content in programming.
In an interview with Forbes in April, Purini stated that Crunchyroll was “not considering AI in the creative process” to preserve the integrity of its series and films, also affirming a commitment to not use AI in a way that affects voice actors.
However, he noted that the company was exploring AI applications to enhance user experiences in areas like content discovery and recommendations. Crunchyroll has not provided clarification on the subtitle generation process for Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show or on the measures taken to prevent similar errors from reaching audiences.
This situation underscores the crucial importance of localization and translation efforts in producing quality content for global audiences. It also raises concerns about the entertainment industry’s rapid adoption of generative AI, which poses significant risks to human jobs. From Crunchyroll’s standpoint, relying on ChatGPT for swift subtitle production may appear beneficial for timely releases post-Japanese premiere. Nonetheless, poorly crafted subtitles compromise the viewing experience and detract from genuine authenticity.
