Introduction

In a bold response to the ongoing debate surrounding AI-generated art, Balatro developer Locathunk has firmly declared, "I think it does real harm to artists of all kinds." This statement came amidst a swirl of controversy on the Balatro subreddit, where one moderator suggested that AI art would not be banned in the community, leading fans to mistakenly assume that both Locathunk and the game's publisher, Playstack, were supporters of AI art.

Locathunk's Clarification

Taking to social media, Locathunk clarified his position, stating, "This is not how I feel about AI 'art.' I normally wouldn't say something about the r/balatro community, but this doesn't represent my beliefs, nor do I believe it represents how Playstack feels about AI-generated imagery. I don't condone AI-generated 'art.'"

Further Explanation and Moderator Action

In a follow-up message on Reddit, he elaborated, explaining that the changes made by a moderator to the subreddit’s flair gave the impression that Playstack endorsed AI art. He emphasized that this was not the case. According to a representative from Playstack, the mod's actions were not sanctioned by the company but were rather an interpretation of the guidelines surrounding subreddit rules.

Community Response and Actions

Locathunk made it clear: "Neither Playstack nor I condone AI 'art'. I don't use it in my game, and I think it does real harm to artists of all kinds." He also announced the removal of the moderator from their role, reassuring fans that AI-generated images would not be permitted on the subreddit. In a show of community solidarity, he urged followers to treat the removed mod with kindness and not to direct hatred towards them.

Playstack's Official Response

In response to the controversy, Playstack's communications director, Wout van Halderen, issued a statement underscoring the company's stance against AI art. He acknowledged that the existing rules could have been clearer, preventing any misinterpretations about what is acceptable within the community.

Industry Implications

The conversation around AI art's implications in the gaming industry is intensifying. Major players, such as Square Enix and Activision, have begun exploring the use of generative AI in their projects. However, this has raised concerns over the impact on traditional artistry and the livelihoods of creative professionals.

Locathunk's Recent Success with PEGI

In a separate development, last month, Locathunk successfully contested PEGI's classification of Balatro as PEGI 18 due to its poker elements. The game has since been reclassified to accommodate players aged 12 and up, marking a significant turnaround after a year of its initial release.

Conclusion

As the battle over AI art continues, the Balatro community, along with Locathunk and Playstack, remains determined to uphold traditional artistry and protect the integrity of creators in the industry. Will this stance influence future game development practices? Only time will tell!