Localthunk, the creative mind behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, recently intervened to address a controversy sparked within the game's subreddit community. The issue arose when a former moderator, DrTankHead, who also moderated a NSFW Balatro subreddit, publicly stated that AI-generated art would be allowed on both subreddits, provided it was properly labeled. This statement was made after what DrTankHead claimed were discussions with Playstack, Balatro's publisher.
However, Localthunk quickly clarified on Bluesky that neither they nor Playstack condoned the use of AI-generated art. In a subsequent post on the Balatro subreddit, Localthunk firmly stated their opposition to AI "art," emphasizing its potential harm to artists and confirming that DrTankHead had been removed from the moderation team. They also announced a ban on AI-generated images on the subreddit, promising to update the rules and FAQ accordingly.
Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the previous rule about "no unlabeled AI content" might have been misinterpreted, and the remaining mod team plans to clarify this in the future.
DrTankHead, after being removed as a moderator of r/Balatro, posted on the NSFW Balatro subreddit, indicating they did not intend to make it AI-centric but were considering a designated day for AI-generated non-NSFW art.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate around generative AI in the gaming and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs. AI has been criticized for ethical concerns, rights issues, and its inability to consistently produce engaging content. For example, Keywords Studios' attempt to create an entirely AI-generated game failed, as AI could not replace human talent effectively.
Despite these challenges, major tech companies continue to invest heavily in AI. EA has positioned AI at the core of its business, while Capcom is exploring generative AI for creating in-game environments. Activision recently disclosed using AI for assets in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which stirred controversy over an AI-generated zombie Santa loading screen.
