Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Wolverine Dev Denies Using GenAI After Weird-Looking In-Game Sign Discovered
Insomniac Games has denied using generative AI for assets in Marvel's Wolverine following the discovery of a peculiar in-game bathroom sign. Community and marketing director James Stevenson clarified it was a "UV map bug" with a fix in development. While Insomniac used machine-learning for Spider-Man 2, AI-generated assets are reportedly not being used in Wolverine.
Activision cites data claiming cheating in games is an $8.5bn industry; 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating "a significant or very significant problem"
Activision reports that cheating in video games has become an $8.5 billion industry, with cheat developers earning billions annually. A survey indicates 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating a significant problem, leading to decreased player retention and revenue loss. Companies like Anybrain are developing multi-faceted security solutions to combat this evolving threat.
Wolverine developer Insomniac denies using generative AI after fans spot strange restroom sign
Insomniac Games has denied using generative AI in the development of Marvel's Wolverine after fans pointed to a peculiar restroom sign. Community director James Stevenson stated it was a "UV map bug" and confirmed no AI assets are present in the game. This comes as other studios like Level-5 have admitted to using AI, highlighting the ongoing debate in the industry.
The Sunday Papers
This article rounds up several disparate pieces of gaming-adjacent news, including discussions on safety protocols in live-action role-playing games, critical reports on generative AI's impact on journalism and labor, and a nostalgic look at the early days of MicroProse. It also touches on a player's difficult experience with the game Wardogs.
Insomniac Says Marvel's Wolverine Uses No Generative AI After Fans Spot Strange Signs in-Game
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will not feature any generative AI after players noticed unusual in-game elements. This clarification addresses concerns raised on social media regarding the use of AI in game development.
Dueling industry surveys show Japanese game devs are embracing AI, while North American ones are still skeptical
Japanese game developers show a significant increase in AI adoption, with 85.8% using AI tools in 2026, compared to only 36% of North American developers in a separate survey. While Japanese developers cite efficiency and cost reduction, concerns about "human verification" and player reception persist. The article questions whether AI adoption has truly contributed to the perceived health of the Japanese industry.
MiHoYo awarded $112,000 by Chinese court after AI voice service dupes Genshin Impact characters
MiHoYo has won a legal victory in China, with a Shanghai court ordering an unnamed generative AI developer to pay approximately $112,000 for illegally replicating and selling the voices of 63 Genshin Impact characters. The court found the defendant used AI to reproduce the voices, along with game assets, to advertise and sell illicit voice packs, demonstrating an intent to capitalize on the game's popularity.
VisionQuest showrunner confirms no generative AI was used in the Marvel show, but it does feature a nod to its failings
VisionQuest showrunner Terry Matalas confirmed that the Marvel series did not use generative AI in its production, despite the show's themes. The show's production designer incorporated visual nods to AI's current failings, such as nonsensical furniture and stairs leading nowhere, within the show's 'Mindspace' sequences. While Marvel has used AI in past projects like Secret Invasion's title sequence, it has not been a significant part of most MCU productions.
Professor Layton Developer Level-5 Scrambles to Reupload Trailers as AI Backlash Intensifies
Professor Layton developer Level-5 has apologized for the mistrust caused by its use of generative AI in recent showcases, attributing some fan-spotted examples to human error. The company faces intense online backlash over the AI usage.
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.
