Localthunk, the creative force behind the popular roguelike poker game Balatro, recently intervened in a controversy unfolding on the Balatro subreddit concerning AI-generated art. The issue came to light when DrTankHead, a now-former moderator of both the main and NSFW Balatro subreddits, publicly stated that AI art would not be banned as long as it was properly tagged and attributed. This stance was purportedly endorsed after discussions with Playstack, the game's publisher.
However, Localthunk swiftly contradicted this claim on Bluesky, clarifying their and Playstack's opposition to AI-generated imagery. In a detailed follow-up on the subreddit, Localthunk emphasized their commitment to traditional artistry, stating, "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." They confirmed DrTankHead's removal from the moderation team and announced a new policy prohibiting AI-generated images on the subreddit, with forthcoming updates to the rules and FAQ to reflect this stance.
Playstack's communications director later acknowledged that the initial rules might have been ambiguous, suggesting that a policy against "unlabeled AI content" could be misinterpreted. The remaining mod team plans to clarify these rules to prevent future confusion.
DrTankHead, in response to their removal, posted on the NSFW Balatro subreddit, stating that their goal was not to make it AI-centric but floated the idea of dedicating specific days for posting non-NSFW AI-generated art. A user suggested that DrTankHead take a break from Reddit for a week or two.
This incident underscores the broader debate around generative AI in the gaming and entertainment sectors, industries that have faced significant layoffs and ethical scrutiny over AI's role. High-profile cases, such as Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create a game entirely with AI, highlight the technology's limitations. Despite such setbacks, major players like EA, Capcom, and Activision continue to explore AI's potential, with varying degrees of success and controversy.
