Players have raised concerns over undisclosed use of generative AI in The Alters, developed by 11 Bit Studios. Evidence of AI prompts was found in the game’s subtitles, flavor text, and translations, suggesting routine use of large language models (LLMs) without public disclosure.
Since January 2024, Valve requires all games using AI-generated content—including art, code, and sound—to disclose such use in their Steam Distribution Agreement. The Alters has not yet made any such announcement.
One example includes an in-game screen displaying text that reads: “Sure, here’s a revised version focusing purely on scientific and astronomical data.” Additionally, Brazilian Portuguese subtitles contained incomplete AI output, such as: “Sure! The text translated to Brazilian Portuguese is: Every conversation two people can have, right? So we-” which players shared as proof.
On Steam, a player said, “The game is using AI-generated content without a proper Steam page disclaimer! This is absolutely unacceptable. 11 Bit Studios has been caught using AI in The Alters without ANY disclaimer. Steam requires disclosure because we have the right to know what we’re buying.”
However, some players minimized the issue, arguing the text was part of background graphics not meant to be read, and noted that similar placeholder text had previously appeared in games without concern.
Localization expert Lucile Danilov criticized the situation, calling the inclusion of an AI prompt “a disgrace” and highlighting numerous translation errors, especially in the Brazilian Portuguese version. She suggested the problem stemmed from either a careless translator or last-minute use of AI without oversight.
Korean translator Handong Ryu confirmed similar issues in the Korean version, indicating AI-generated content without proper editing. He expressed disappointment over backlash from the Korean gaming community over a part of the project he did not control.
As of now, 11 Bit Studios has not publicly responded to these allegations.
This controversy follows recent actions by other developers, such as Jurassic World Evolution 3, which removed generative AI portraits after player feedback.
Despite these issues, The Alters received positive reviews for its narrative and exploration of complex ideas, earning 4 out of 5 stars from Eurogamer, which praised its unique themes and thought-provoking content.
For further insights on AI in game development, see Ed’s commentary on the growing role of generative AI tools.