"Balatro Dev Localthunk Tackles AI Art Controversy on Reddit"

Localthunk, the creative force behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, recently addressed a controversy sparked in the game's subreddit community. The issue arose when DrTankHead, a former moderator of the Balatro subreddit and also a moderator of a NSFW Balatro subreddit, declared that AI-generated art would not be banned from the main subreddit, provided it was properly labeled. This statement was made, according to DrTankHead, after discussions with Playstack, the game's publisher.

Localthunk quickly intervened, clarifying their stance on Bluesky and then directly on the subreddit. They stated unequivocally that neither they nor Playstack supported the use of AI-generated art. "Neither Playstack nor I condone AI 'art'. I don't use it in my game, I think it does real harm to artists of all kinds," Localthunk emphasized. They confirmed that DrTankHead had been removed from the moderation team and announced a new policy banning AI-generated images from the subreddit, promising to update the rules and FAQ accordingly.

In response, Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the existing rule about "no unlabeled AI content" may have caused confusion and committed to clarifying the language to prevent future misunderstandings.

DrTankHead, after being removed as a moderator of r/Balatro, took to the NSFW Balatro subreddit to clarify their position. They confirmed their removal and stated that while they did not intend to make the NSFW subreddit AI-centric, they were open to designating a specific day for posting non-NSFW AI-generated art.

The incident reflects broader tensions within the gaming and entertainment industries over the use of generative AI, which has been criticized for ethical concerns, rights issues, and its inability to create content that resonates with audiences. The failed experiment by Keywords Studios to create a game entirely with AI, which they admitted could not replace human talent, underscores these challenges. Despite such setbacks, tech giants like EA and Capcom continue to explore AI's potential, with EA claiming AI is central to its business and Capcom using it to generate vast amounts of content for game environments. Meanwhile, Activision's use of AI for assets in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has stirred controversy among fans, particularly over a zombie Santa loading screen labeled as "AI slop."

This saga highlights the ongoing debate and the need for clear policies regarding AI in creative fields, as companies and communities navigate the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.