In recent years, whenever game companies release new illustrations, players no longer just appreciate the art style, but start looking for traces of AI. What has been pushed to the forefront this time is Square Enix’s signature series “Kingdom Hearts”. After the official released a new promotional picture recently, some players immediately questioned whether the picture was made using generative AI. Related discussions quickly spread in the community, and even foreign media joined the discussion.
The more players look at it, the more something seems wrong?
The focus of controversy mainly focuses on the background and some details in the promotional pictures. Many players pointed out that there were some unreasonable-looking architectural structures, object arrangements, and blurry details in the picture, believing that these features are quite similar to currently common generative AI images. Relevant discussions quickly spread on platforms such as Reddit and
The official didn’t admit it, but they didn’t explain it either.
So far, Square Enix has not publicly responded to relevant questions, so there is no evidence to prove that this image indeed uses AI generation technology. But this incident also reflects an interesting phenomenon. Nowadays, players have become sensitive to AI to a certain extent. As long as strange details appear on the screen, they will immediately enter the national picture review mode: sometimes it is real AI, sometimes it is just an abstract painting by the artist, but no matter which one it is, it will inevitably be magnified and inspected in the end.
AI has become the most sensitive keyword in the gaming industry!
In fact, many game companies have been involved in similar controversies in the past two years. From promotional images, concept designs to Steam store materials, as long as they are suspected of using AI, they will often trigger a strong backlash from players. The reason is simple. Many players are worried that large companies will gradually reduce their investment in real-life art teams in order to save costs. Therefore, when a classic IP like “Kingdom Hearts” with a large number of die-hard fans is involved in AI controversy, it is naturally more likely to ignite discussions.