Ubisoft replaces AI-Generated Art in Anno 117 Following Fan Backlash
Ubisoft has replaced an AI-generated artwork “placeholder” that appeared in the recent Anno 117: Pax Romana DLC, but the move has done little to quell fan frustration over the increasing use of artificial intelligence in game advancement. The image, initially spotted by players, sparked criticism due to the game’s reputation for stunning visuals. One player commented, “Of all of the video games, not Anno!! What drew me to Anno 1800 was its gorgeous artworks.”
The incident arrives amid broader concerns about AI’s impact on creative roles within the gaming industry and the potential for diminished quality in localized content. While Ubisoft stated the image was a temporary asset, the situation highlights a growing unease among players regarding the integration of AI into traditionally handcrafted elements of game design. This comes as 87% of game developers are already using AI agents, with over a third employing it for creative tasks like level design and dialog, according to a recent Google survey.
Beyond the artwork, players have also expressed worries on platforms like Reddit that language localizations within Anno 117 are being generated by AI. This is particularly disappointing for Pax Romana, which has been lauded as one of the better city builders released recently. The line between human-created content and AI insertions is becoming increasingly blurred, raising questions about the future of artistic integrity in video games.
