'It Does Real Harm to Artists of All Kinds' — Balatro Dev Localthunk Steps In to Resolve AI Art Reddit Fiasco

Localthunk, the developer behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, intervened in a dispute on the game's subreddit regarding a moderator's stance on AI-generated art. The former moderator, DrTankHead, had previously stated that AI art would be permitted on both the main and NSFW Balatro subreddits, provided it was properly labeled. This statement, however, contradicted Localthunk's and publisher Playstack's views.

Localthunk subsequently issued a statement on Bluesky and the subreddit clarifying that neither they nor Playstack endorse AI art, citing concerns about its impact on artists. DrTankHead was removed from the main subreddit's moderation team, and a policy prohibiting AI-generated images was implemented. Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the subreddit's rules regarding AI content lacked clarity, leading to the misinterpretation. The remaining moderators are working to revise the rules for greater transparency.

DrTankHead, in a post on the NSFW Balatro subreddit, confirmed their removal and stated that while they don't intend to make the subreddit AI-centric, they are considering a schedule where non-NSFW AI-generated art might be permitted on specific days. This suggestion received a user comment suggesting a temporary break from Reddit.

The Balatro situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding AI art in the gaming industry. This debate is further fueled by recent industry layoffs and ethical concerns regarding AI's impact on artists and the quality of AI-generated content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment with an entirely AI-generated game underscores the limitations of current AI technology. Despite this, major companies like EA and Capcom are actively investing in and experimenting with generative AI for game development, while Activision has admitted to using it for some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 assets, sparking controversy.