Ubisoft, the renowned video game developer, has recently found itself in the midst of a heated controversy. The cause of this uproar is the company's recent use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate images for their social media posts. The disappointment and anger of fans were palpable, as they viewed this as not only a disregard for human creativity but also a blatant cost-saving measure. This reaction comes on the heels of the company's recent layoffs, which have left many artists jobless.
The company's decision to use AI-generated images became apparent when the Ubisoft Nederland profile on Twitter posted an image of a popular assassin character adorned with Halloween decorations. The image, however, was immediately recognized as AI-generated by the fans. This incident was followed by a similar situation on the Ubisoft LATAM profile, where an AI-rendered image of Ezio Auditore, a beloved character from the Assassin's Creed series, was posted. This move has been seen as Ubisoft's effort to replace artists with AI, which has led to widespread disapproval from their fan base.
Fans reacted strongly to these posts, voicing their discontent and disappointment in the comments. They criticized Ubisoft's decision, calling it a cost-saving measure at the expense of talented artists. One user named FL1NTZ wrote, 'You could use your own talent (who are excellent by the way) to mock up an artistic photo for promotion? You HAD TO use AI so you can save money? Shameful.' Another user, Carrot_breath, expressed their disappointment by stating they would no longer be purchasing Ubisoft games due to this decision.
The fans' reactions were largely negative, with many pointing out the company's recent layoffs. They suggested that the move to AI-generated images was a way for Ubisoft to further save on costs, which they found deeply disheartening. Another user, CoffeeSeed, expressed their discontent, stating, 'Using gen”AI” after laying off a lot of artists really shows where the company morals stand and how much you dislike and disrespect players, workers and human in generals. Ubisoft keeps showing that it only cares about shareholders and money, years after years.' These comments reflect a general sentiment of disappointment and frustration among the fans.
In conclusion, Ubisoft's decision to use AI-generated images in place of human artistry has drawn widespread criticism from their fans. Many see this as a disregard for artistic talent and an attempt to further cut costs at the expense of the artists. While AI has its place in the gaming industry, it is clear that fans value the human touch and creativity that artists bring to the table. As this controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Ubisoft will navigate this delicate situation.