11 bit studios, the game studio behind the much-anticipated title The Alters, has officially responded to growing concerns that it may have used generative AI in the development of its game art.
The controversy started when a promotional image for The Alters began circulating online and caught the attention of gamers and artists. Some viewers pointed out visual elements in the image that looked like they might have been generated using artificial intelligence, such as inconsistent lighting and odd shapes—things commonly associated with AI-generated content. That’s when the debate really kicked off.
Let’s break down what’s going on, what the developers had to say, and why this matters to the gaming world right now.
What’s the Game About?
Before we dive into the AI controversy, here’s a quick overview.
The Alters is a sci-fi survival game by 11 bit studios, the same developers behind the emotional hit This War of Mine. In The Alters, you play as Jan, a lone worker trapped on a hostile planet. To survive and escape, Jan creates alternate versions of himself—each with different skills and personalities. The game explores themes of identity, loneliness, and survival, and it’s powered by Unreal Engine 5, promising rich storytelling and visuals.
It’s one of the more unique upcoming games, which is why fans were quick to notice and question anything unusual in its promotional material.
The AI Allegations
The issue arose after people noticed a promotional screenshot of the game showing a man with his arms crossed, standing in a sci-fi-like environment. Some online users suggested that the image looked “AI-generated” due to unnatural elements and small inconsistencies—things like distorted fingers or unusual background details. These are typical signs of images created by tools like Midjourney or DALL·E.
The criticism quickly spread across platforms like Reddit, Twitter (now X), and gaming forums, with many demanding transparency from the developers.
What Did 11 Bit Studios Say?
In response, 11 bit studios posted an official statement on social media. They clarified that:
“The marketing art in question was created by a human team. We don’t use AI in our promotional materials or the game itself.”
They also went further to say that they stand by their artists and the traditional creative process, and they do not support replacing human creativity with machine-generated outputs.
This clear and confident response was aimed at putting the rumors to rest and reassuring the gaming community that The Alters was built with authenticity and human craftsmanship.
Why It Matters
This isn’t the first time a game studio has been accused of using generative AI—and it probably won’t be the last. As AI tools become more advanced and accessible, many fans and creators are raising questions about ethics, originality, and fair work practices.
Here’s why this particular case gained traction:
- Fans care about authenticity: Especially in story-driven indie games like The Alters, players expect a certain emotional depth and artistic intention. The idea of AI-generated content clashes with that.
- Industry-wide concern: Developers, writers, and artists across the industry are debating where AI should be used—if at all. There are worries it could replace human jobs or lead to a drop in quality.
- Trust issues: If fans feel misled or manipulated by studios using AI content without disclosure, it can lead to backlash and even boycotts.
What Now?
As of now, The Alters is still on track for release in 2024, and the developers have assured everyone that no AI is being used. Most fans seem satisfied with the studio’s explanation, but this whole event has sparked a wider conversation about how much AI is too much in game development.
More studios may need to start being open about their creative processes and tools if they want to keep audience trust intact. For now, though, 11 bit studios has stood firm: The Alters is all human-made, and they’re proud of it.
Final Thoughts
In a world where AI is blending into creative industries at lightning speed, these conversations are becoming more common—and more necessary. The The Alters controversy shows just how closely fans are watching, and how important transparency is for the future of gaming.
Whether or not you believe AI has a place in game art, one thing is clear: the gaming community wants to protect the human side of storytelling. And that’s something even the best AI can’t replicate.
Leave a Comment