WARSAW, POLAND – Players have voiced strong disapproval towards 11 Bit Studios, the developer of The Alters, after discovering AI prompts embedded in the game’s subtitles and flavor text, suggesting undisclosed use of large language models (LLMs).
Immediate Impact
Since January 2024, Valve has mandated that games utilizing AI for pre- or live-generated content must disclose this under the Steam Distribution Agreement. This encompasses art, code, sound, and more created with AI tools. As of now, The Alters has not provided any such disclosure.
Key Details Emerge
One instance involves an in-game screen designed to appear scientific, which begins with the phrase: “Sure, here’s a revised version focusing purely on scientific and astronomical data.” Another player noted irregularities in the Brazilian Portuguese subtitles, supported by a screenshot showing the text: “Sure! The text translated to Brazilian Portuguese is: Every conversation two people can have, right? So we-“.
Image credit: @vysetron.pixeldie.com on BlueSky
Industry Response
Players have taken to Steam to express their frustration. “The game is using AI-generated content without a proper Steam Page disclaimer!” one player exclaimed. “This is absolutely unacceptable. 11 Bit Studios has been caught using AI in The Alters without ANY disclaimer on the Steam page.”
Not all players, however, share this sentiment. Some argue that the AI-generated content is minor and not meant to be scrutinized closely.
Expert Analysis
Game localisation specialist Lucile Danilov shared a critical perspective, stating, “Leaving parts of an AI prompt in the lockit is a disgrace. Some parts of the PT-BR translation are riddled with errors and inaccuracies, which is appalling considering how the whole game revolves around an intricate narrative.”
Handong Ryu, responsible for the Korean translation, confirmed similar issues in the Korean version, indicating that the problem might stem from a lack of oversight during the translation process.
By the Numbers
- AI prompts found in multiple game languages
- Valve’s AI disclosure requirement effective since January 2024
- Significant backlash from international gaming communities
What Comes Next
At the time of writing, 11 Bit Studios has not publicly addressed the allegations or responded to player comments. Earlier this week, another game, Jurassic World Evolution 3, removed generative AI for scientists’ portraits following feedback, highlighting the industry’s sensitivity to AI use.
Background Context
The controversy arises amidst a broader industry trend of integrating AI into game development. While AI offers innovative opportunities, it also raises ethical questions and concerns about transparency.
Future Implications
As AI continues to permeate the gaming industry, developers may face increased scrutiny to ensure transparency and maintain trust with their audiences. The unfolding situation with The Alters could set a precedent for how AI-related disclosures are handled in the future.
The timing of these revelations is particularly significant as it coincides with growing debates about the ethical use of AI in creative industries.
