Highlights
- Pokemon GO players accuse Niantic of using AI-generated art for the new season, citing blurry lineart and lack of cohesion in the promotional image.
- Niantic's statement neither confirms nor denies the use of AI tools, which is in line with its usual approach to controversies.
- The controversy surrounding the potential use of AI in Pokemon GO may continue, as players criticize the studio for this questionable decision.
Pokemon GO players have accused Niantic of using AI-generated art to promote the game's new season. Players enjoy Pokemon GO as it allows them to become a Pokemon trainer in real life. But Pokemon GO is also known for its share of problems and controversies.
Pokemon GO faces recurring controversies that have resulted in backlash from the community. In July, Pokemon GO players had problems with Zygarde's Special Research due to the new Routes feature. But one of the most controversial issues in the app's history was the change to Pokemon GO's Remote Raids. The adjustment in how Remote Raids works resulted in much criticism from Pokemon GO players, with some deciding to sell their accounts and stop playing the game. Now Pokemon GO faces a new controversy, but it's not for gameplay reasons.
Some players have accused Niantic of using AI-generated art to promote Pokemon GO Season 12. Named Adventures Abound, one of the artworks shows the season logo with a city in the background. Upon closer inspection, Pokemon GO players noticed an inconsistent and extremely blurry lineart, which distorts and ends abruptly and makes the image lack cohesion. Pokemon GO players also argued that the image seems to have been made without any planning, with strange details such as a car that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Another point made by players is the absence of Pokemon in the image and the general feeling that it lacks the "soul" of Pokemon art.
In a statement to Kotaku, Niantic said that it "uses a variety of tools and software to create visual assets," and did not confirm nor deny using AI-generated art. The use of AI is causing a huge controversy in entertainment because while artists say that AI steals their work, AI tools are becoming increasingly popular, with Marvel using AI for the opening of Secret Invasion. In the gaming world, there are also examples of voice actors criticizing the use of AI to reproduce their voices, such as Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man), Paul Eiding (Metal Gear Solid), and Erica Lindbeck (Persona 5).
Niantic's statement on the promotional art for Pokemon GO Season 12 neither confirms nor denies the use of AI tools. This should be expected, as Niantic typically doesn't directly address Pokemon GO controversies. As a result, it won't come as a surprise if Pokemon GO players continue to criticize the studio over the potential use of a controversial feature.
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.
Source: Kotaku