The successful launch of Crimson Desert last week was quickly followed by controversial images spotted in the game that suggested the use of generative AI. The use of generative AI in games remains a tricky topic for several reasons.
Hours after Pearl Abyss launched the long-awaited game on March 19, some players started posting images they found in-game that appear to have been generated using AI. Some media outlets compiled a list of some of the images that appear to have been generated using AI tools.
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A Redditor has discovered an AI generated artwork in Crimson Desert.
There are other posts that also claim to have found AI generated images throughout the game.
It’s not even a “good” image. Pure slop, just look at the horses legs LMAO. Really disappointing. pic.twitter.com/kUSvqDcUtR
— GameRoll (@GameRoll_) March 20, 2026
Pearl Abyss won’t be the first to use genAI in games. The Alter, developed by 11 Bit Studios, had a similar issue at launch, and the developer had to publicly address the matter. A good percentage of video game studios use AI to generate placeholder assets to speed up the development process.
Ethical concerns remain the major dissatisfaction among gamers against the use of genAI in video games. However, AI is continually projected as the future of game development. Although the recently launched DLSS 5 was widely criticized, Todd Howard has confirmed that Bethesda games will use the new technology going forward, beginning with Starfield.
Pearl Abyss addresses AI use in Crimson Desert
Every developer understands that if a bad review is not addressed, it can have a snowball effect that will hurt sales. Therefore, it was wise of Pearl Abyss to publicly address the matter. In a lengthy explanation posted on X, the developer apologized for the oversight.
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“We would like to address questions regarding the use of AI in Crimson Desert,” the lengthy explanation began. “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.”
“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.
Following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release. This is not in line with our internal standards, and we take full responsibility for it.
We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI. While these tools were primarily used during early production, with the expectation that these assets would be replaced prior to release, we recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency.
We sincerely apologize for these oversights.
We are currently conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets and are taking steps to replace any affected content. Updated assets will be rolled out in upcoming patches. In parallel, we are reviewing and strengthening our internal processes to ensure greater transparency and consistency in how we communicate with players moving forward.”
Former Blizzard Entertainment President Mike Ybarra thinks the apology is unnecessary
While the reaction to the apology issued by Pearl Abyss was mixed, the comment from former Blizzard Entertainment boss, Mike Ybarra, drew the most reactions. Ybarra said the apology was unnecessary, considering the fact that AI will be part of everything.
“Why apologize? AI, in one form or another, will be in every single video game,” Ybarra wrote. “I don’t get why devs feel the need to bend over for the few folks who can’t accept the reality that AI will be in every single thing – from video games to your fridge (it already is). Man up.”
Do you think the fuss about the use of AI in video game development is necessary? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
