Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Jun 11
Panache Apologizes for AI Assets in 1666 Prologue, Promises Human Replacements Soon
Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Jun 11

Panache Apologizes for AI Assets in 1666 Prologue, Promises Human Replacements Soon

3 articles · Updated · Kotaku · Jun 11

Summary

  • Panache Digital Games said some AI-generated art slipped into the released prologue of 1666: Amsterdam, including in-game portraits and marketing materials.
  • Player backlash erupted after the Steam prologue launch and Summer Game Fest reveal, pushing the studio to review the questioned assets and publicly acknowledge the issue on X.
  • Over a dozen artists are now replacing the flagged material, and Panache said an update with human-made versions will arrive soon.
  • The studio also said its Early Access build and full release will contain no AI-generated assets, underscoring growing player resistance to generative AI in game art.

Insights

After another AI apology, can gamers trust promises of handcrafted video game experiences?
If AI art is uncopyrightable, are game studios building their futures on quicksand?
Is the game industry's $22B AI gold rush destroying the value of human creativity?