Fans Outraged as The Alters Uses Undisclosed AI in Content
▼ Summary
– Players criticized 11 Bit Studios for undisclosed AI use in The Alters, with AI prompts found in subtitles and flavor text.
– Valve requires AI disclosure in games since January 2024, but The Alters’ Steam page lacks this information.
– Examples include unedited AI prompts in scientific text and poorly translated subtitles, sparking backlash from players.
– Localization specialists noted errors in translations, suggesting AI was used without proper oversight or editing.
– 11 Bit Studios has not responded to the allegations, while similar AI controversies have led other developers to remove AI content.
Gamers have expressed frustration after discovering undisclosed AI-generated content in The Alters, raising concerns about transparency in game development. Players noticed remnants of AI prompts in subtitles and background text, suggesting the use of large language models without proper acknowledgment. Valve’s policy mandates that Steam developers disclose AI involvement in any aspect of their games, yet 11 Bit Studios has remained silent on the matter.
One glaring example includes an in-game screen displaying an unedited AI response: “Sure, here’s a revised version focusing purely on scientific and astronomical data.” Brazilian players also reported erratic subtitles, with one instance reading: “Sure! The text translated to Brazilian Portuguese is: Every conversation two people can have, right? So we, “ These findings sparked accusations of misleading practices, with players demanding honesty about AI integration.
The backlash intensified as localization experts weighed in. Game translator Lucile Danilov, while praising the game’s narrative, criticized the oversight as disrespectful to international audiences. “Leaving AI prompts in the final product? That’s just lazy,” she remarked. Korean translator Handong Ryu confirmed similar issues in their version, noting unpolished AI-generated segments that bypassed proper editing. The lack of developer response has only fueled player dissatisfaction.
Not everyone sees the controversy as a major issue. Some argue that minor background text, often filled with placeholder content in past games, shouldn’t overshadow the overall experience. “This is just decorative fluff, hardly worth the outrage,” one commenter dismissed. However, critics counter that poorly executed AI translations undermine the game’s narrative depth, particularly when key dialogue feels unnatural or inaccurate.
The debate echoes broader industry tensions around AI adoption. While tools like LLMs can streamline development, their misuse risks alienating players who value craftsmanship. Jurassic Park Evolution 3 recently backtracked on AI-generated portraits after fan criticism, highlighting the fine line between innovation and quality control.
Despite the uproar, The Alters has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking themes. Eurogamer’s review praised its emotional depth, calling it “a bold exploration of identity and choice.” Yet, the AI controversy lingers, leaving players questioning whether shortcuts in localization betray the very humanity the game seeks to celebrate.
For developers, the lesson is clear: transparency builds trust. As AI becomes an industry staple, ethical disclosure may prove just as crucial as technical execution.
(Source: EuroGamer)
