Trending
Pearl Abyss have finally addressed the use of generative AI in their recently released action adventure Crimson Desert, confirming that some of the assets created using unspecified AI tools during early development of the game were accidentally included in the launch build of the game.
Players on Reddit had flagged what appeared to be AI-generated 2D artwork on paintings and visual props inside buildings, sparking discussion across Reddit and social media.
Pearl Abyss confirmed that the findings are indeed legit and took full responsibility for including these in the game, stating that these assets were originally created to help explore tone and atmosphere during early production, with the expectation they would be replaced before launch. However, they were not.
"This is not in line with our internal standards," the studio said in its statement on social media X, adding that it also should have been more transparent about its use of AI tools during development. A full audit of in-game assets is now underway, with replacements to be rolled out in upcoming patches.
The community reaction has been split. Some players defended Pearl Abyss, pointing out that small background paintings in a world of this scale are about as low-stakes as assets get, and that using AI for this particular case is more of a practical decision rather than a moral stumble. Others took a harder line, arguing that a full-priced AAA release has no business shipping with generative AI content regardless of how minor or incidental it might be.
Some players argue that if they accept it on small details like the painting in Crimson Desert, we'll soon see AI art on much more important assets like characters, weapons, story bits and dialogue.
While is a good decision to release a statement and clarify this, it's still not a great look for a launch that has already had a rougher reception than expected. Crimson Desert currently sits at 78 on Metacritic, below the mid-to-high 80s that most had anticipated.
On Steam, the game launched to a mixed player response, with technical issues, confusing controls and bugs drawing criticism alongside the praise for its combat and world design. However, recently that score has started to climb, and it's now "Mostly Positive".
Pearl Abyss say they are strengthening internal processes to ensure greater transparency going forward. The asset replacement patches have no confirmed timeline yet.
