While recuperating from a fractured arm, Robin Ward discovered a passion for The Roottrees are Dead, a free browser game available on itch.io. Enthusiastic about the title, he contacted its developer, Jeremy Johnston, expressing his belief that “this should be a bigger deal than it is,” though he also acknowledged the limitations preventing it from achieving greater success.
The game’s browser version incorporated AI-generated artwork as a fundamental aspect of its design, challenging players to explore intricate family trees while uncovering stories behind numerous characters. However, during the time of its launch, Steam, a leading platform for PC gaming, prohibited the use of generative AI in games featured on its storefront. Both Ward and Johnston ultimately deemed it “unethical to sell artwork created in this manner.”
Initially, Johnston made the game available for free after spending 11 months developing it from what began as a Global Game Jam project completed in under a week in 2023. During the event’s stringent time constraints, he sought assistance from a friend who was well-versed in using Midjourney to create images based on the prompts he crafted for his puzzles.
The AI-generated images had significant flaws, noted by both Johnston and Ward. A particular image featuring a young girl’s portrait was described by Ward as “demonic,” with other portraits showcasing distorted hands, which became telltale signs of generative AI at that time.
Despite nearly a year of development aimed at expanding the game’s narrative and gameplay, Johnston admits he “never really thought” about replacing the artwork. Lacking artistic skills, he focused on the photographic quality of the existing assets, fully aware that hiring models and photographers to recreate the visuals would be prohibitively expensive.
Although Johnston dedicated extensive effort to the game’s expansion, he remained skeptical about how it would perform. He reflected, “I’ve released other things — not games necessarily, but projects I spent significant time on, and then no one cared.” Therefore, he hesitated to invest funds he didn’t expect to recoup.
Upon releasing the itch.io version, Johnston was surprised by its popularity; it garnered attention across forums and Reddit, eventually catching the eye of gaming media. He chose not to charge players due to the AI artwork, but included a donation link and earned approximately $2,000 to $3,000 from over 10,000 players.
Ward, one of those players, reached out to Johnston, leading to a collaboration where Ward would reprogram the game and hire an illustrator to replace the AI art in preparation for a Steam release. Henning Ludvigsen, the illustrator chosen for the project, utilized the AI imagery as conceptual sketches, conducting further research into the relevant era and style. Throughout nearly a year of work, he created around 40 illustrations.
Ludvigsen expressed his discontent with generative AI, stating that his fellow illustrators have experienced a decline in job opportunities, particularly in concept art. “[Companies] kind of skip that step now [using AI], which I think is not great,” he remarked.
Despite the challenges, Ludvigsen believes that generative AI has not performed well in terms of player reception. Major gaming companies, including Take-Two Interactive, have seen backlash against AI-based games, with concerns about potential risks to player retention and brand reputation. Johnston recalls criticisms faced by Cyan Worlds when it used AI-assisted content in its latest game.
The Roottrees are Dead navigated these hurdles effectively by being transparent about its AI use and offering the game for free. Both Ward and Johnston agree that without generative AI, the original version of the game may never have been possible, and as a result, neither would the polished version featuring Ludvigsen’s artwork. The illustrator himself expressed satisfaction with replacing the previous illustrations, as he has reservations regarding AI-generated art.
Ward acknowledges that opinions vary, with some preferring no game over one that utilizes AI creation. He pointed to concerns over environmental impact and possible exploitation of artists for AI training, suggesting some would find those arguments compelling. Nonetheless, he personally enjoyed the experience provided by the game.
The game officially launched on Steam in January 2025, where initial reactions indicated strong approval from players eager to see the AI elements removed. Although some expressed a preference for the original photographic quality of the generative art, Ludvigsen’s illustrations provided a definite improvement, offering clarity and consistency for characters appearing throughout multiple puzzles.
The Roottrees are Dead has since achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Its journey reflects a unique path shaped by the combined influences of generative AI and human artistry. Ward and Johnston acknowledge the unconventional development trajectory, suggesting that as AI tools become increasingly common, more titles may follow a similar evolution.
