"Balatro Dev Localthunk Tackles AI Art Controversy on Reddit"

Localthunk, the creative force behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, recently intervened in a controversy unfolding within the game's subreddit. The issue centered around a statement made by a moderator, DrTankHead, regarding the permissibility of AI-generated art on both the main and NSFW Balatro subreddits. DrTankHead had previously announced that AI art would not be banned as long as it was properly labeled, a decision purportedly made after discussions with Playstack, the game's publisher.

However, Localthunk quickly clarified their stance on Bluesky, stating that neither they nor Playstack supported the use of AI-generated imagery. They further elaborated on the Balatro subreddit, emphasizing their opposition to AI "art" due to its potential harm to artists. Localthunk confirmed that DrTankHead had been removed from the moderation team and announced a new policy banning AI-generated images from the subreddit, with forthcoming updates to the rules and FAQ to reflect this change.

Following the incident, Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the previous rules might have been ambiguous, potentially leading to misunderstandings. They committed to refining the language around AI content to prevent future confusion. DrTankHead, meanwhile, confirmed their removal from the r/Balatro moderation team on the NSFW subreddit and hinted at possibly dedicating a specific day for AI-generated non-NSFW art posts.

This episode highlights the broader debate surrounding generative AI in the gaming and entertainment sectors. Amidst widespread layoffs, the use of AI has been met with criticism over ethical concerns, rights issues, and its inability to consistently create engaging content. A notable example is Keywords Studios' failed attempt to develop a fully AI-generated game, which they attributed to AI's limitations in replacing human talent.

Despite such setbacks, major tech companies continue to invest heavily in AI. EA has positioned AI at the "very core" of its business, while Capcom explores its use for generating in-game ideas. Activision's recent use of generative AI for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 assets has also stirred controversy, particularly following a negative reaction to an AI-generated zombie Santa loading screen.