Localthunk, the creative force behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, recently intervened in a controversy on the Balatro subreddit sparked by a moderator's stance on AI-generated art. The situation unfolded when DrTankHead, a former moderator of both the main and NSFW Balatro subreddits, declared that AI-generated art would be allowed if properly labeled and tagged, a decision purportedly made after discussions with Playstack, the game's publisher.
Localthunk quickly refuted this claim on Bluesky, stating that neither they nor Playstack supported AI art. They further clarified their position in a detailed statement on the subreddit, emphasizing their opposition to AI-generated imagery due to its potential harm to artists. Localthunk confirmed the removal of DrTankHead from the moderation team and announced a new policy prohibiting AI-generated images on the subreddit, promising updates to the rules and FAQ to reflect this change.
In response, Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the previous rules could have been misinterpreted and committed to clarifying the language to prevent future misunderstandings. Meanwhile, DrTankHead, after being removed as a moderator, addressed the situation in the NSFW Balatro subreddit, stating they did not intend to make it AI-centric but were considering designated days for posting AI-generated art.
The incident underscores the broader debate over generative AI in the gaming and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs and scrutiny over ethical and rights issues related to AI. Despite failures such as Keywords Studios' experimental AI game, major companies like EA, Capcom, and Activision continue to invest in and experiment with AI technology, reflecting its growing, albeit controversial, role in game development.
