Developer 11 Bit Studios has responded to fan backlash after players discovered that some in-game text and translations in The Alters appeared to be generated by AI. One glaring example was a Captain’s Log entry that began with the unmistakable phrase, “Sure, here’s a revised version…,” indicating it was likely copied directly from an AI-generated draft.
In other language versions, phrases like “Here is the translated text into Brazilian Portuguese” appeared, further raising eyebrows.
In a public statement, 11 Bit clarified that these AI-generated snippets were placeholders meant to be replaced before launch. Unfortunately, a few slipped through the cracks. They admitted that some late-game cutscenes had rushed localization efforts, prompting limited use of generative AI for translation. The studio has since promised updates to replace these elements with human-crafted content and emphasized that the vast majority of the game was created by actual developers.
Reactions to the news have been sharply divided. While some players see the use of AI as a betrayal of creative integrity, others argue it’s simply a modern tool used under deadline pressure. Many defend the studio, praising The Alters as an ambitious, well-crafted game that shouldn’t be defined by a few lines of AI text. Still, the lack of disclosure about AI use on the game’s Steam page violates Valve’s policies and has prompted calls for more transparency.
This isn’t the first time developers have faced controversy for generative AI usage. Frontier Developments and Activision recently backtracked on their own AI missteps after public criticism. Meanwhile, titles like Palworld have faced accusations but provided evidence to prove their work was AI-free.
Despite the hiccup, The Alters continues to receive praise. It was rated 8/10 in reviews for its compelling mix of character-driven storytelling, base management, and sci-fi atmosphere. And as AI continues to permeate creative industries, the debate isn’t likely to go away. Whether it’s a shortcut or a slippery slope, developers and players alike will need to navigate the line between innovation and authenticity.
1 comment