Exclusive: The Controversial Truth Behind Pokémon GO's AI-Generated Artwork

Highlights

Pokemon GO players accuse Niantic of using AI-generated art for the new season, citing blurry lineart and lack of cohesion in the promotional image.

Niantic's statement neither confirms nor denies the utilization of AI tools, consistent with the company's typical approach towards controversies. The ongoing controversy surrounding the possible incorporation of AI in Pokemon GO is likely to persist, with players expressing discontent towards the studio's dubious choice.

Pokemon GO has come under fire from its players for allegedly using AI-generated art to promote the game's latest season. While the game is popular among players who enjoy the immersive experience of becoming a real-life Pokemon trainer, it has also garnered a reputation for its fair share of problems and controversies.

Recurring controversies have plagued Pokemon GO, causing discontent within the community. In July, players encountered issues with Zygarde's Special Research, largely due to the introduction of the new Routes feature. However, one of the most contentious issues in the app's history was the modification made to Pokemon GO's Remote Raids. These changes elicited strong criticism from players, leading some to even sell their accounts and abandon the game altogether.

Now, Pokemon GO finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy, albeit one unrelated to gameplay.

Accusations have been made against Niantic, claiming that they utilized AI-generated artwork to promote Pokemon GO Season 12, known as Adventures Abound. The artwork in question features the season logo against a city backdrop. Upon closer examination, Pokemon GO players noticed inconsistencies and excessive blurriness in the lineart, resulting in a lack of cohesion. Players also argued that the image appeared hastily made, evident through peculiar details like a seemingly stationary car. Additionally, the absence of Pokemon within the image led players to feel that it lacked the essence typically associated with Pokemon art.

When questioned by Kotaku, Niantic released a statement acknowledging their employment of various tools and software to create visual assets, but did not provide a confirmation or denial regarding the usage of AI-generated art. The incorporation of AI in the entertainment industry has stirred significant controversy, as artists claim that it infringes upon their creative work. Nonetheless, the prevalence of AI tools continues to grow, exemplified by Marvel's use of AI for the opening of Secret Invasion. In the realm of gaming, voice actors such as Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man), Paul Eiding (Metal Gear Solid), and Erica Lindbeck (Persona 5) have vocally criticized the practice of utilizing AI to replicate their voices.

Niantic's response to the promotional art for Pokemon GO Season 12 neither confirms nor denies the utilization of AI tools. This is in line with their usual approach of not directly addressing controversies surrounding Pokemon GO. Consequently, it is to be expected that players of the game will persist in criticizing the studio regarding the possible implementation of a contentious feature.

Pokemon GO can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices.

Source: Kotaku