Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
New MMO Aion 2 soars on Steam with nearly 400,000 concurrent players despite "Mixed" reviews grilling AI slop…
Aion 2 has launched to significant popularity on Steam, attracting nearly 400,000 concurrent players on its first official day. Despite its strong player numbers and impressive visuals, the MMORPG has received "Mixed" reviews, with many players criticizing its pay-to-win mechanics and the developer NC's use of generative AI in asset creation.
Retro platformer series Dizzy is back for a new game from its original creators, who are really happy for you to know it's made with AI
The Oliver Twins, creators of the retro platformer series Dizzy, have announced a new game that will serve as a remake of Treasure Island Dizzy with modern visuals and a new Mega Drive version. They openly discussed their use of generative AI in development, citing cost savings and the ability for indies to compete with larger studios. However, the article strongly criticizes this approach, labeling it as theft and harmful to artists.
After 12 years, Ultra Street Fighter IV gets not one, but two connection-stabilising rollback netcode mods aaaand they're both made using Claude
Two fan-made mods, SF4Enhanced and SF4 Ember, have introduced rollback netcode to Ultra Street Fighter IV, a 2014 title previously limited to delay-based netcode. Both mods were developed with the assistance of Anthropic's Claude AI, a development the author views negatively, preferring the older netcode over AI-generated content. One of the modders has since abandoned their project.
Metal Gear Creator Doesn’t Like AI Tech Like DLSS 5, Concedes it Will “Probably Become Standard”
Hideo Kojima expressed mixed feelings about generative AI technology like DLSS 5, concerned about its potential to alter artistic intent in game development. While acknowledging its usefulness and likely industry adoption, he dislikes the idea of AI changing his work without his direct control. Kojima's past games have explored AI themes, and he remains uncertain about its role at Kojima Productions.
RuneScape Dev Pulls Trailer After 6-Fingered Knight Leads to Generative AI Allegations
Jagex, the developer of RuneScape, has removed a recently released trailer following accusations from fans that it utilized generative AI. The controversy was sparked by the appearance of a knight with six fingers in the trailer.
MMO Business Roundup: Capcom’s AI tools, Bungie co-founder’s new gig, and Jagex’s trailer kerfuffle
This MMO business roundup covers Capcom's plans to integrate generative AI into its RE Engine for game development, the launch of Stone Kite by Bungie co-founder Jason Jones focusing on comic books and other media, and fan backlash against Jagex for using AI in a RuneScape trailer. The use of AI in game development and marketing is a recurring theme, with mixed reactions from companies and players.
RuneScape dev apologises after RuneFest debut of an AI-generated six-fingered character: 'That's pretty hard…
Jagex has apologized after an AI-generated six-fingered character appeared in a trailer for RuneScape's upcoming Dragon Slayer 2 quest, shown at RuneFest. This incident follows a similar controversy involving a clothing collaboration with 100 Thieves. Jagex stated they do not use generative AI in game development and are overhauling their review processes with external partners.
Jagex says AI "has no place" in its creative work after RuneScape Dragon Slayer 2 trailer backlash
Jagex has pulled a trailer for RuneScape's Dragon Slayer 2 update after players discovered what appeared to be generative AI, including a sixth finger. The company stated that it does not use AI in its creative work and will not knowingly allow it to be used on its behalf, especially after a similar issue with a 100 Thieves collaboration. Jagex plans to revise its review processes and involve community creators for future content.
Claims that genAI speeds up PC ports of classic games are either "false" or missing the point, says Banjo Kazooie: Recompiled developer
A developer behind the unofficial PC port Banjo-Kazooie: Recompiled argues that claims of generative AI speeding up classic game PC ports are false or misguided. DarioSamo states that the true value lies in understanding and preserving how games were made, a process that AI shortcuts, leading to less polished and understandable code. He emphasizes that the effort to get a game running is just the first step, and the subsequent polish and sustainability are what truly matter.
RuneScape devs take down trailer, apologize to players, and blame "partner" for gen AI after promising not to…
Jagex has removed a trailer for the upcoming RuneScape quest Dragon Slayer 2 after players identified significant generative AI use, which the developer claims originated from an external partner. The company has apologized for the oversight and is overhauling its review processes, reiterating its stance against using AI for game assets. This incident follows a similar controversy involving AI-generated designs from a partnership with 100 Thieves.
Sony introduces AI upscaling to base PS5; Marvel's Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei are first games to implement new tech
Sony Interactive Entertainment has introduced Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR), an AI upscaling technology for the base PlayStation 5, developed with AMD. This technology enhances image quality and frame rates, with Marvel's Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei being the first games to implement it. Meanwhile, Jagex is investigating the use of generative AI by a partner in a RuneScape trailer, reaffirming its commitment against using AI for game assets.
Ubisoft ‘Motherbrain’ genAI initiative used to create new game ideas says rumour
A report claims Ubisoft is implementing a new generative AI initiative called 'Motherbrain' to support gameplay innovation across its studios. While Ubisoft has not officially commented, the initiative is described as a global entity dedicated to developing proprietary AI technology. This news comes amid criticism of Ubisoft's past adoption of trends like NFTs and live service games, and follows the company's cancellation of six games earlier this year.
Jagex responds to use of generative AI in RuneScape trailer made by "trusted external partner"
Jagex is investigating the use of generative AI in a trailer for RuneScape 3's Dragon Slayer 2 quest, produced by a trusted external partner who claimed no AI would be used. The developer has removed the trailer and stated its clear position against using GenAI for games, artwork, or marketing, highlighting an issue with its own processes. Jagex plans to overhaul review processes and work with community creators.
RuneScape creator Jagex in hot water over generative AI use in recent trailer
Jagex, the creator of RuneScape, is facing backlash after a trailer for RuneScape 3's Dragon Slayer 2 quest was revealed to have used generative AI, despite the company's public stance against its use. The trailer contained visual anomalies like a six-fingered hand, leading to community anger and an internal investigation by Jagex. The company has apologized, taken down the trailer, and is overhauling its review processes for third-party partners.
"Quite often it's given me more to do" – Why AI might be creating more work for games companies, rather than saving time
Despite promises of efficiency, generative AI is creating more work for game companies by increasing employee anxiety, posing risks of data leaks, and generating complex legal and HR issues. The rapid evolution of AI technology necessitates constant policy updates, and while AI can assist with routine tasks, it lacks the human element crucial for genuine connection and problem-solving in the workplace.
One story about my first 30 minutes in this post-apocalyptic robot game led multiple people to buy it
A PC Gamer writer shared their initial positive experience with the post-apocalyptic robot game Radiosol, leading multiple colleagues to purchase it. The $9 Steam title features a unique gameplay mechanic where disabling subsystems like 'hearing' and 'life support' can lead to instant death, and the developer confirmed AI was used for translations and some coding tasks.
Ubisoft's calling its next push into gen-AI game development Motherbrain
Ubisoft is internally referring to its new generative AI initiative as 'Motherbrain,' a name derived from the Metroid series. Trademarks reveal plans for AI software to create video games and analyze data, with CEO Yves Guillemot calling generative AI a 'revolution.' This initiative comes amidst significant restructuring and layoffs at the company.
Irish Game Fund expands with additional funding pathways
The Irish Game Makers Association and Screen Ireland have expanded the Irish Games Fund for 2026, introducing three new funding strands: the Development Fund, Prototype Fund, and Release Fund. The Development Fund, offering €50,000 to four teams, specifically supports established projects progressing towards production and commercial release, with a strict policy against the use of generative AI in final assets due to intellectual property concerns.
"The Robloxification of Steam": Creator of viral game apologizes after slop rip-offs flood Valve's store
The creator of the viral PC game Needle In A Haystack Simulator has apologized for the flood of copycat games appearing on Steam. The developer expressed dismay at the numerous clones, some of which appear to use generative AI, leading to a sentiment of "the Robloxification of Steam."
Microsoft want to record your face and feed it to a generative AI, telling it to go off and design a game from your frown
Microsoft has patented a system that uses generative AI to design game content, potentially incorporating player facial expressions and actions. The patent describes how AI could create narratives, quests, NPCs, and even game assets based on player feedback and developer prompts. While the technology is not yet implemented, it raises concerns about privacy and the future of game development.
