Pax Romana AI Art Controversy

A well-reviewed grand-strategy game Anno 117: Pax Romana has been caught using AI-generated art, and developer Ubisoft has officially commented on the matter. Anno 117: Pax Romana 2019 is the sequel Year 1800which was praised for – among other things – its impressive hand-drawn artwork.

Perhaps it's because of the esteemed artwork Anno 117The use of generative AI is particularly noteworthy for fans. Since the game's November 13 launch, players have pointed out several features of AI-generated images on background art and loading screens. These images, which are often vivid, are impressionistic depictions Anno 117features an ancient Rome setting, strange artifacts, facial and limb distortions, and other typical Gen-AI indicators. As it turns out, players had a right to be skeptical, Ubisoft has confirmed and explained the use of at least one illustration in question.

Like many other modern PC games, Anno 117The Steam page discloses the use of generative AI, with a statement claiming that AI tools were used to create some in-game assets, but that it “reflects the final product. [Ubisoft Mainz’s] Craft and creative vision.”

Ubisoft admits to using “placeholder” AI art in Anno 117: Pax Romana

A lot of pieces though Anno 117While the in-game art is said to be AI-generated, Ubisoft has actually responded to only one culprit: a loading screen depiction of a crowd at a rich feast. This image contains what many consider dead giveaways for the AI generation, with background subjects blurred, distorted faces and odd body proportions. As reported by TheGamer, Ubisoft responded with this statement:

“This image was a placeholder asset that inadvertently slipped through our review process. The final image is attached here and will replace the current version of this artifact with the upcoming 1.3 patch. Anno 117: Pax Romana Being our most ambitious Anno yet, we've assembled the largest team of artists for the franchise and to help complete the project's unique scope, they use AI tools for iteration, prototyping and exploration. Each element players will experience in the final game reflects the team's craft, artistry, and creative vision.”

Ubisoft has since released a new banquet image, which appears to be free of the Gen-AI staples. At the time of writing, the Assassin's Creed The publisher has yet to comment on other illustrations that have been deemed AI-generated by the public, and it appears they still are. Anno 117.

This is probably the last time viewers will hear about AI art Anno 117. Ubisoft claims that the AI image was a placeholder that “slipped” in its review process, but it seems somewhat surprising that Ubisoft Mainz would miss such an obvious mistake. After all, gamers noticed that these AI images were almost immediately. The sequence of events is certainly not doing the publisher-developer any favors, as it only improved the depiction after it was “caught” by the audience, and the persistence of other apparently AI-generated images will likely continue the discussion going forward.