11 Bit's 'The Alters' Gets a Sprinkle of AI: More Like a Dusting, Really?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
11 Bit Studios confessed to using AI in 'The Alters' for translation and placeholder assets, sparking debate about transparency in game development. While the usage was limited, the lack of initial disclosure has players questioning the ethics and future of AI in gaming.
Right, so 11 Bit Studios, the folks behind 'This War of Mine,' have been caught with their digital hands in the AI cookie jar with their new sci-fi management sim, 'The Alters.' Turns out, they used generative AI... but, like, *really* limited. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, this revelation comes after some community whispers and RPS's own reporting.
Now, before you grab your pitchforks, let's unpack this. 11 Bit admits they used AI for translating and localizing a tiny sliver of text (we're talking 0.3% of the game's total text, apparently focused on those parody movie clips the alters watch – sounds amusing, right?). They also copped to using AI-generated assets as placeholders during development. Their justification? It had “a limited impact on your gaming experience.” Uh-huh.
Here’s the kicker: they didn't tell anyone. Not on Steam, not in their marketing materials, nowhere. Valve requires devs to disclose AI usage, so, bit of an oversight there, eh? 11 Bit released a statement on Bluesky (remember that place?) saying the AI assets were temporary and accidentally left in a background texture. They've since patched it out.
They claim the alternative to AI translation was releasing the dialogue exclusively in English. Which, fair play, nobody wants that. But they also admitted they “should have simply let you know.” Spot on, mates. Honesty is always the best policy, especially when dealing with such a hot-button topic as AI in game development.
Look, I reckon 11 Bit is probably telling the truth about the limited use. But as Dordle developer Zaratustra pointed out, “If you feel 0.3% of the game's text is not a big deal to have generated with AI, which percentage would you draw the line at[?]” That's the real question, isn't it? Where *do* we draw the line? Is it okay to use AI for minor tasks? Does transparency make all the difference?
This whole thing feels like when you try a new spell and it accidentally turns your cat into a sentient teapot. A little chaotic, a little embarrassing, but ultimately, not the end of the world. Just gotta be upfront about your magical mishaps next time, eh?
Tags: AI, Game Development, The Alters, 11 Bit Studios, Indie Games
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun