Balatro Dev Localthunk Addresses AI Art Controversy on Reddit

Localthunk, the creative force behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, has recently addressed a controversy sparked by a moderator's stance on AI-generated art within the game's subreddit community. The incident, initially highlighted by Garbage Day and Rock Paper Shotgun, unfolded when DrTankHead, a former moderator of both the main and NSFW Balatro subreddits, announced that AI art would not be banned, provided it was properly labeled.

This decision was purportedly made after consultations with Playstack, the game's publisher. However, Localthunk quickly clarified their position on Bluesky, stating that neither they nor Playstack supported the use of AI-generated imagery. In a detailed follow-up on the subreddit, Localthunk firmly denounced AI "art," emphasizing their commitment to protecting the integrity of artistic work. They stated, "Neither Playstack nor I condone AI 'art'. I don't use it in my game, I think it does real harm to artists of all kinds. The actions of this mod do not reflect how Playstack feels or how I feel on the topic." Consequently, DrTankHead was removed from the moderation team, and new rules were announced to ban AI-generated images from the subreddit.

In response, Playstack's communications director acknowledged that the existing rules could have been misinterpreted and promised to clarify the language to prevent future confusion. DrTankHead, now removed from the main subreddit's moderation, expressed intentions to possibly dedicate specific days for AI-generated art on the NSFW Balatro subreddit, despite not aiming to make it AI-centric.

This episode reflects the broader debate around generative AI in the entertainment and gaming industries, which have faced significant layoffs and criticism over ethical and rights issues related to AI use. Notable examples include Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create a game entirely with AI, and statements from major companies like EA and Capcom about integrating AI into their core business and creative processes, respectively. Activision also faced backlash for using generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, highlighting the ongoing tension between technological advancement and traditional artistic values.

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