Trending Now - Crimson Desert Developers Admit to Using AI Art, Issue Apology
WHO:
Developer: Pearl Abyss
Game: Crimson Desert
Platform: Steam
WHAT:
Pearl Abyss stated on X, "During development, some 2D visual props were created as part of early-stage iteration using experimental AI generative tools. These assets helped us rapidly explore tone and atmosphere in the earlier phases of production."
The developer confirmed that the intention was for any AI-generated assets to be replaced before the game's release, stating, "However, our intention has always been for any such assets to be replaced, following final work and review by our art and development teams, with work that aligned with our quality standards and creative direction."
Pearl Abyss stated on X that "following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release."
The AI-generated content disclosure on the game's Steam page specifies that "generative AI technology is used in a supplementary capacity during the creation of some 2D prop assets" which are later replaced.
Pearl Abyss acknowledged, "We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI."
The developer plans to strengthen internal processes for better communication with players.
Pearl Abyss issued an official apology for including AI-generated art in Crimson Desert.
The game was released with 2D visual props created using "experimental AI generative tools."
Pearl Abyss stated that they will conduct a "comprehensive audit of all in-game assets."
The developer plans to replace affected content in upcoming patches.
An AI-generated content disclosure was added to the game's Steam page.
WHERE:
The game is available on the Steam platform.
WHEN:
The apology and acknowledgment of AI-generated art occurred on March 22nd, 2026.
The game was launched on March 21st, 2026.
Late last year (2025), Sandfall Interactive was stripped of awards for similar issues.
WHY:
Players reported discovering AI-generated artwork in the game shortly after its launch, leading to the developer's acknowledgment and apology.
Players reported potential generative AI usage in the game, prompting the developer's response.
The use of AI-generated assets was unintentional and not disclosed prior to the game's release.
HOW:
Pearl Abyss is conducting a "comprehensive audit of all in-game assets" and will replace any affected content in upcoming patches.
AI generative tools were used during early-stage development to create visual props.
Pearl Abyss plans to improve communication with the player base for better transparency and consistency.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:17 UTC)
Pearl Abyss has acknowledged that some 2D visual props created during the development of their game used experimental AI generative tools to help explore tone and atmosphere. They confirmed that their intention was always to replace these AI-generated assets with work that meets their quality standards before the game's release. This statement comes after players reported finding AI-generated artwork in the game shortly after its launch, prompting the developer's apology.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:15 UTC)
Pearl Abyss announced that they have identified some unintended assets included in the final release of their game, following feedback from the community. They clarified that while generative AI technology was used in creating some 2D prop assets, these were meant to be replaced, and they acknowledged the need for better disclosure regarding their use of AI. To address these issues, the developer is conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets and plans to strengthen their internal processes for improved communication with players.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 19:16 UTC)
In a significant move today, Pearl Abyss issued an official apology for including AI-generated art in their newly released game, Crimson Desert, which launched just yesterday on Steam. The developer acknowledged that 2D visual props created using experimental AI tools were included without prior disclosure and has committed to conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets, with plans to replace the affected content in upcoming patches. Additionally, an AI-generated content disclosure has been added to the game's Steam page to enhance transparency with players.