TLDR: Game developer 11 Bit Studios has confirmed the use of generative AI for certain in-game text and translations in their recently launched title, ‘The Alters’. The studio clarified that these AI-generated elements were intended as temporary placeholders or for last-minute localization due to time constraints and were not meant to be in the final release. They have announced plans to replace this content with human-crafted material in upcoming updates.
Warsaw, Poland – August 4, 2025 – 11 Bit Studios, the acclaimed developer behind the survival game ‘The Alters’, has publicly addressed the recent discovery of AI-generated content within their new title. The studio confirmed that generative artificial intelligence was indeed utilized for some in-game text and translations, a revelation that followed player accusations after screenshots of what appeared to be AI-generated text, including prompts, surfaced.
The controversy began when players identified sections of the game, particularly a computer terminal, displaying text that bore the hallmarks of generative AI output. Additionally, issues with translated dialogue in certain languages, such as Korean, were reported, suggesting AI involvement in localization efforts.
In response to the community’s concerns, 11 Bit Studios issued a statement acknowledging the use of AI. The company clarified that these AI-generated assets were strictly employed as ‘temporary WIPs [work in progresses] during the development process and in a very limited manner.’ They emphasized that this content was ‘never intended to be part of the final release’ and its inclusion was attributed to ‘an internal oversight.’
Regarding the AI-translated dialogue, the studio explained that a few licensed in-game movies required ‘additional last-minute translations.’ Facing ‘extreme time constraints,’ 11 Bit Studios opted to use AI for these localizations to ensure they were ready for launch. The developer stated, ‘It was always our intention to involve our trusted translation agencies after release as part of our localization hotfix, to ensure those texts would be handled with the same care and quality as the rest of the game.’
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11 Bit Studios also reflected on the decision, admitting, ‘In hindsight, we acknowledge this was the wrong call.’ The studio reiterated its commitment to ‘meaningful, handcrafted storytelling as one of the foundations of the game.’ To rectify the situation, 11 Bit Studios has announced plans to release an update that will remove the unintended AI content and implement updated, human-crafted translations. This incident highlights the growing challenges and reputational risks associated with integrating generative AI into game development, particularly when it impacts the final product’s quality and adherence to platform guidelines, such as Steam’s requirement for developers to flag AI-generated assets.
