Localthunk, the developer behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, intervened in a dispute on the game's subreddit regarding a moderator's stance on AI-generated art. The controversy began with DrTankHead, a former moderator of the main Balatro subreddit and current moderator of its NSFW counterpart. DrTankHead had previously stated that AI art would be permitted, provided it was properly attributed and tagged, a decision they claimed was made after consulting with Playstack, Balatro's publisher.
However, Localthunk contradicted this on Bluesky, clarifying that neither they nor Playstack supported the use of AI-generated imagery. Localthunk subsequently issued a statement on the subreddit, removing DrTankHead from the moderation team and explicitly prohibiting AI-generated images. The developer emphasized their opposition to AI art, citing its potential harm to artists. They pledged to update the subreddit's rules and FAQ to reflect this policy change.
Playstack's communications director followed up, acknowledging that the previous rules regarding AI content lacked clarity, potentially leading to misinterpretations. The remaining moderators are working to revise the rules for improved understanding.
DrTankHead, in a post on the NSFW Balatro subreddit, confirmed their removal and stated that while they didn't intend to make the subreddit AI-centric, they were considering allowing non-NSFW AI-generated art on specific days. This suggestion was met with a user's recommendation to take a break from Reddit.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension surrounding generative AI in the gaming industry. Recent events, including Keywords Studios' unsuccessful attempt to create an entirely AI-driven game and various companies' pronouncements on AI integration (EA's assertion that AI is "core" to its business, Capcom's experimentation with AI for environment design, and Activision's admission of using AI for some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 assets), underscore the complex and evolving relationship between AI, game development, and player sentiment. The ethical and practical challenges of AI art generation remain significant concerns.
