Players have expressed outrage at 11 Bit Studios, the developer of The Alters, after discovering evidence of undisclosed generative AI use in the game’s subtitles, flavor text, and translations. This revelation has sparked a heated debate about transparency and the ethical use of AI in video game development.
Since January 2024, Valve has mandated that games utilizing AI-generated content must disclose this as part of the Steam Distribution Agreement. This includes any art, code, sound, or other game elements created with AI tools. However, The Alters has yet to make such a disclosure, raising concerns among its player base.
AI Prompts Found in Game Text
One player highlighted an in-game screen designed to appear scientific, which began with a suspiciously AI-like prompt: “Sure, here’s a revised version focusing purely on scientific and astronomical data.” Another player, using Brazilian Portuguese subtitles, noted multiple instances where the subtitles appeared nonsensical, supported by a screenshot showing: “Sure! The text translated to Brazilian Portuguese is: Every conversation two people can have, right? So we-“.
These findings have led to accusations of 11 Bit Studios using AI-generated content without proper disclosure. A player on Steam commented, “This is absolutely unacceptable. 11 Bit Studios has been caught using AI in The Alters without ANY disclaimer on the Steam page.”
Mixed Reactions from the Gaming Community
While some players are outraged, others argue that the issue is being blown out of proportion. One commenter noted, “You realize this is tiny text on a background prop, and only exists as a graphic and not as something you’re expected to actually read.” They suggested that historically, such text might have contained random gibberish or placeholder text.
Game localization specialist Lucile Danilov criticized the oversight, stating, “Leaving parts of an AI prompt in the lockit?! Talk about spitting in the face of your international audience!” She further noted that the Portuguese translation was riddled with errors, which is concerning given the game’s narrative focus.
Implications for Game Localization
Handong Ryu, who translated the Korean version of the game, confirmed similar issues in the Korean localization. “While no AI prompt has been exposed, I can confirm that the same section of the Korean localization shows clear signs of having been run through an LLM without proper editing,” Ryu stated. This has led to significant backlash from the Korean gaming community.
The controversy surrounding The Alters highlights a broader issue in the gaming industry: the need for transparency regarding AI use. As AI becomes more prevalent in game development, players are demanding to know when and how these tools are used.
Industry-Wide Concerns and Future Implications
The use of AI in video games is not new, but the lack of transparency in its application is a growing concern. Earlier this week, Jurassic World Evolution 3 removed generative AI for scientists’ portraits following player feedback, showcasing a trend toward greater accountability.
Despite the controversy, The Alters has received praise for its narrative depth and moral complexity. Eurogamer’s review awarded the game four out of five stars, noting, “It takes us to the strange places I hoped it would, and prods and probes and makes me think about what I value in life.”
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the integration of AI tools will likely increase. Developers must navigate the ethical considerations of AI use and maintain transparency to retain player trust.
For further insights into AI’s role in gaming, explore Ed’s thoughts on why, “like it or not, gen AI is becoming an invaluable tool for developers.”
