Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
James Pond Legacy Situation Is More Than Meets The AI
System 3 Software has addressed accusations that generative AI was used in the promotional artwork for James Pond Legacy, a collection for Nintendo Switch. While System 3 initially denied the claims, CEO Mark Cale clarified that their developer, Antstream, used algorithm-assisted visualization, which Antstream described as 'fully human-authored.' Cale expressed frustration with the term 'AI' becoming a negative buzzword and stated that clearer guidelines are needed to avoid future confusion.
Tim Willits doesn't think Rideshare's generative AI is damaging Saber's reputation
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits addressed the controversy surrounding the use of generative AI in their upcoming game, Rideshare Simulator. Despite backlash and a lack of initial disclosure on Steam, Willits believes the AI's use in the game's Free Ride mode is a contained experiment that won't damage the company's reputation, citing past industry shifts like Quake 3's hardware requirements and Steam's launch as examples of initial player apprehension towards new technology.
Level-5 CEO admits using generative AI in recent showcase
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after confirming that generative AI was used in the studio's recent digital showcase for Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch titles. Hino stated the AI was used as an experiment to make the presentation more spectacular and apologized for making fans uncomfortable, while emphasizing that the games themselves are still made by human hands. He also mentioned the studio's goal to reduce development time by using AI for efficiency tasks like converting artwork into polygons.
Netflix doubles down on video games by partnering with Sega for movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven
Netflix is expanding its video game adaptation efforts by partnering with Sega to create movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven. The streaming service is also developing a new Sonic the Hedgehog animated series. While Crazy Taxi is a well-established franchise, Stranger Than Heaven is a prequel game set to release next year, making its adaptation a gamble.
Fan Backlash Puts Level-5’s AI Showcase Under Scrutiny
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after fans expressed backlash over the use of generative AI in footage shown during the studio's recent digital showcase. Hino stated that AI was used to make the presentation more spectacular, but insisted that core game elements like scenarios and character designs remain human-made. The incident has drawn comparisons to other games facing scrutiny for undisclosed AI use and highlights a wider industry trend.
"I deeply apologize": After global backlash, Level-5 CEO admits new Yo-Kai Watch and Professor Layton showcase…
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized for the studio's use of generative AI in trailers for "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam" and "Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain." Hino explained the AI was used for efficiency and to digitize existing concepts, assuring that no AI-generated data is included in released games. Despite the apology, fan backlash persists due to environmental concerns and discomfort with AI's role in development.
Twitch is testing a Stream Coach feature that uses gen AI to give ‘optional feedback’ for a broadcast
Twitch is testing a new 'AI Stream Coach' feature that uses generative AI to provide optional feedback to livestreamers. The tool aims to offer insights on monetization, channel setup, and viewer engagement, but has faced user concerns regarding its implementation and the ability to opt-out.
Mirrors Of Deception: The Silver Peaks Secret Review | TheXboxHub
This review harshly criticizes Mirrors Of Deception: The Silver Peaks Secret, calling its use of generative AI abhorrent and the experience akin to torture. The game's hidden object mechanics are hampered by nonsensical items and a cluttered visual style, making gameplay frustrating and visually disorienting. The reviewer strongly advises against purchasing the game, viewing it as a failed experiment and a worrying sign for the future of AI in creative media.
Level 5 boss apologises for AI use for Professor Layton, Yo-Kai Watch reveals
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized on X following criticism that the company used generative AI during its recent Level-5 Vision event. The presentation featured games from the Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch series, and the use of AI drew significant backlash from fans.
Despite the turbulent future of gaming, Roblox keeps the trust of its developers
Despite the introduction of AI-powered game development tools like Roblox Build and Roblox Reality, many Roblox developers express unwavering trust in the platform. They believe Roblox's history of additive changes and respect for creator visions indicates these new features will complement, rather than replace, existing development methods.
As an OG Crazy Taxi lover, its new remake might just not be crazy enough
Despite a lifelong love for Crazy Taxi, the preview of Crazy Taxi: World Tour at Gamescom left the author underwhelmed. While the game features familiar mechanics and new side quests, the driving itself lacks the original's fun factor, and the presentation is criticized for feeling cheap and heavily influenced by generative AI.
Level-5 Boss Addresses AI Backlash After Fans Hit Out at Game Reveal Showcase
Developer Level-5 has apologized for and explained its use of generative AI after fans criticized footage from games like Professor Layton and the Curious Village and DecaPolice, labeling it 'AI slop'. The company addressed the backlash following its game reveal showcase.
Evening Reading - September 11, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including Saudi Arabian investors considering a merger between EA and Savvy Games, EA Sports confirming the use of generative AI voice tech in NHL 27, and PlayStation reportedly shelving Hideo Kojima's Physint. It also notes Stellar Blade developers confirming game card sizes for the Nintendo Switch 2, the closure of Moss developer Polyarc, and Nintendo's legal win against Switch pirates.
EA Sports confirms it used generative AI voice tech for commentary in NHL 27
Electronic Arts has confirmed the use of generative AI voice technology to expand commentary lines for John Buccigross and Darren Pang in NHL 27, with their consent. This admission follows criticism of the game's shoddy and low-energy commentary, which has been cited as a low point in reviews and contributed to the game's mediocre Metacritic score.
European studio expenditure on external talent rises 63% in 2025
European game studios significantly increased spending on external talent by 63% in 2025, outpacing global growth. This rise in freelancer expenditure, coupled with a 24% increase in freelance collaborations, highlights a shift towards a two-tier team model. Studios face challenges in sourcing qualified specialists, while freelancers grapple with income stability and finding projects, with many concerned about AI's impact on job security and workload.
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits discusses the company's stance on generative AI, stating they are experimenting with it but not replacing human developers. He also highlights Saber's strategy of global development across 15 studios, focusing on AA titles and recognizable intellectual property, emphasizing disciplined budgeting and flexible team structures.
"What in the vibe-coded s*** is this" - RuneScape players revolt as gen-AI copycat game appears and eventually attracts the eye of Jagex
An AI-generated clone of Old School RuneScape, named Elderwood and created by an OpenAI employee, has been shut down following a notice from Jagex. The clone sparked significant backlash from the RuneScape community due to its blatant copying and concerns about generative AI's impact on the game, particularly regarding bots. While the clone offered new areas and features, its operation was discontinued after community outcry and Jagex's intervention.
You can now apply DLSS 5 to your entire desktop with a free app and it even works with RTX 30-series cards
A free application called DLSS NeuralScreen allows users to apply Nvidia's DLSS Neural Rendering technology to their entire desktop, including videos and images, and even works with GeForce RTX 30-series cards. While it offers customization options, it does not support HDR, fullscreen games, is limited to 1440p resolution, and adds significant latency, making it unsuitable for competitive gaming. The author expresses a personal dislike for the DLSS NR look and generative AI's impact on the games industry.
Saber Interactive's chief creative officer says "We've never replaced anybody with AI"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company has not replaced any employees with AI, despite a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco. While experimenting with AI tools for features like voice generation and optional game modes in 'Rideshare Stimulator', Willits emphasized that core game content is human-written and that the company is exploring AI's potential without widespread integration into production pipelines.
The next game by the creators of Steins;Gate is an entirely vibe-coded FPS slopfest
Mages Inc, known for the Steins;Gate visual novel series, is releasing Juggernaut, a free-to-play boomer shooter that heavily utilizes generative AI for its graphics and effects. The game's asset creation tool also uses AI, drawing criticism from some Steam users who question the studio's commitment to development.
