"Living with the Jans": A Look at Coexistence with Jan, Jan, and Other Jan Counterparts
In the realm of video gaming, the survival management game "The Alters" has found itself at the centre of a heated debate. Developed and published by 11 Bit Studios, the game, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, has received criticism for its use of AI-generated content without proper disclosure.
The game, set in a science fiction world, follows the story of Jan, a protagonist on a mission to find Rapidium, a resource that manipulates time and accelerates plant growth, on an alien planet. Jan possesses the ability to create alternative versions of himself using a quantum computer, Rapidium, and a machine in his base.
However, it's not just the gameplay that's sparked controversy. Players have discovered AI-generated text used in background flavor text, image textures, and notably in the Brazilian Portuguese translation of in-game movies, with original AI prompts left visible in some assets. This revelation has led to significant backlash from the community.
11 Bit Studios has acknowledged the issue, explaining that the AI-generated content was intended as placeholders and that the failure to replace them was an oversight. They have committed to removing the AI-generated texture from the game and fixing the translation errors with a hotfix, stressing it was not a deliberate attempt to hide AI use but a last-minute problem mainly affecting localization.
The controversy primarily centres on the lack of transparency and disclosure, which players find disappointing given the game's otherwise positive reception. The debate highlights broader unease about undisclosed AI use in game development, especially when it affects quality and player experience.
In "The Alters", Jan's alternative versions, the alternative Jans, are sent to mine ore, produce food, or research new technologies. Jan communicates with his Earth contact, optimises the mobile base, and builds more resource storage. The fate of the alternative Jans at the end of the mission remains uncertain.
The game is rated for ages 16 and up (USK) and costs around 30 euros. On platforms like Steam, labeling AI content is mandatory to ensure players are aware of its use. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the importance of transparency and disclosure in the use of AI is becoming increasingly apparent.
- What about the AI-generated content in "The Alters", players find surprising and disappointing, given that it was left unchanged despite being intended as placeholders?
- In the midst of the debate surrounding undisclosed AI use in game development, one cannot help but question whether future titles, like "The Alters" with its AI-controlled alternative Jans, should be more transparent about their reliance on artificial intelligence.