Classic Mobile Game Has Been Hit With AI Writing Accusations

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Classic Mobile Game Has Been Hit With AI Writing Accusations

Highlights

  • Metal Slug: Awakening accused of using AI in game description, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the authenticity.
  • Fans skeptical of AI-generated content in game description and artwork, questioning the effort put into Metal Slug: Awakening.
  • Developers of Metal Slug: Awakening, TiMi Studios, have not commented on the allegations, leaving fans hoping for a better explanation.

As a long-time gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel disillusioned and frustrated by the recent accusations surrounding Metal Slug: Awakening’s game description and artwork. The classic series has always held a special place in my heart, and seeing it make its way to mobile devices was an exciting prospect. However, the allegations that the description and artwork are AI-generated leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

In more recent times, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced the creation of our favorite video games. Some people might dislike this trend and view AI negatively, focusing on what it may take away from gaming experience. However, it appears that AI is here to stay, and we’ve already witnessed controversy surrounding tools like Nvidia’s AI for Portal.

Currently, a well-known game that was once popular on desktop platforms and is now available on mobile devices, produced by Tencent Games and manufactured by their affiliate TiMi Studios, has faced criticism for employing artificial intelligence to label shooters on its main page, perplexing players about the game’s intentions.

The cherished and timeless Metal Slug series has arrived on IOS, Android, and PC this week, bringing a retro feel to a new audience and keeping the genre thriving. Previously a staple in arcades, Metal Slug has been reborn as Metal Slug: Awakening, transporting the elements that made the franchise a hit for the past 28 years right into fans’ hands.

As a longtime fan of Namco’s iconic “Metal Slug” arcade game series, I was thrilled when I heard about the upcoming mobile version, “Awakening.” However, my initial excitement quickly turned to disappointment upon visiting the game’s homepage. Instead of the familiar and welcoming sight of classic gameplay footage or character artwork, I was met with an overwhelming use of AI technology.

Fans are skeptical about the authenticity of the given description of Metal Slug, its developer, and genre. A user on Reddit commented that OpenAI’s description sounded like keyword stuffing or poor translation. Another user jokingly asked if Metal Slug was indeed a “run and gun” game. Yet another user expressed their intention to avoid the game based on its reported use of AI, labeling it as low-effort. Essentially, users are wary and unimpressed by the description, suspecting ulterior motives or low quality.

Some Reddit users are raising doubts, suggesting that both the description and the artwork might have been produced by an AI. For instance, “Do you think the image is also AI-created? The door appears unusual to me.” and “The figure on the left seems to have only one leg, and the play button is off-center. This feels very artificial to me, not typical of arcade games which usually feature physical buttons.”

TiMi Studios, the creators of Metal Slug: Awakening, have yet to respond to these accusations. Let’s hope it’s merely a misunderstanding due to careless editing rather than a subpar AI used to save time.

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2024-07-19 12:08