Balatro Dev Localthunk Addresses AI Art Controversy on Reddit

Localthunk, the creative force behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, recently intervened in a controversy brewing on the Balatro subreddit. The issue stemmed from statements made by DrTankHead, a former moderator of the subreddit and current moderator of a NSFW Balatro subreddit, regarding the use of AI-generated art. DrTankHead had announced that AI art would not be banned on the subreddits, provided it was properly labeled and tagged, a decision purportedly made after discussions with Playstack, the game's publisher.

However, Localthunk quickly clarified their stance on Bluesky, stating that neither they nor Playstack condoned AI-generated imagery. In a detailed statement on the subreddit, Localthunk expressed strong opposition to AI "art," emphasizing its harmful impact on artists and confirming that it was not used in Balatro. They also announced the removal of DrTankHead from the moderation team and a new policy banning AI-generated images from the subreddit, with plans to update the rules and FAQ accordingly.

Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the previous rules could have been misinterpreted and committed to clarifying the language to prevent future confusion. Meanwhile, DrTankHead, after being removed as a moderator of r/Balatro, stated in the NSFW Balatro subreddit that they did not intend to make it AI-centric but were considering a designated day for posting non-NSFW AI-generated art.

The debate over AI-generated content is a hot topic in the gaming and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs recently. Critics argue that AI raises ethical and rights issues and often fails to produce content that resonates with audiences. For example, Keywords Studios' attempt to create a game using AI failed, as the technology could not replace human talent. Despite such setbacks, major companies like EA, Capcom, and Activision continue to explore AI's potential, with EA describing AI as central to its business and Capcom experimenting with it for generating in-game environment ideas. Activision's use of AI for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 assets, including a controversial "AI slop" zombie Santa loading screen, has also sparked backlash.