Ubisoft Addresses AI Art Controversy in Anno 117: Pax Romana as Temporary Placeholder

Not a day goes by without news about artificial intelligence and its applications in gaming! Gamers recently spotted an image during a loading screen in Anno 117: Pax Romana that exhibited typical signs of machine generation, including odd proportions and incorrect anatomy. Fans of the series took this discovery hard, recalling that it was the expressive visual style of Anno that initially drew them to the franchise.

The game’s page on Steam includes the platform’s mandatory disclosure regarding the use of AI, where the publisher clarifies that the tools were only employed for specific pre-production materials, and the final outcome always reflects the team’s efforts.

Ubisoft has confirmed that the questionable artwork was generated using AI, but stated that it served as a temporary placeholder. The company explained that the image mistakenly ended up in the game’s build and «slipped through the review process.» In update 1.3, it will be replaced with the final version created by the studio’s artists.

The publisher emphasized that Anno 117 is the largest project in the series to date, with an unprecedented number of artists involved, and that AI components are utilized solely for rough drafts, quick sketches, and idea exploration. All materials encountered by players are the result of human creativity.

The use of generative AI in game development continues to spark heated debates. While some view the technology as beneficial, others worry that it may undermine original creativity. This growing concern prompted Valve to implement a requirement last year for disclosing any use of AI in games on Steam, ensuring gamers are aware of what they are purchasing.