Crimson Desert dev posted on the game’s official X account, apologising for the ongoing AI art controversy surrounding the game and the “lack of transparency”. Use of AI during game development has been a thorny topic for some time, with proponents both for and against it. Crimson Desert did not announce on Steam that they had utilized AI art during development, but players for the past few days shared that they have come across paintings that had telltale AI signs.

With the debate raging on regarding the matter, Pearl Abyss chose to explain the matter through a lengthy X post.

Also Read: Crimson Desert AI art controversy explained

Crimson Desert AI assets will be identified and updated

Pearl Abyss mentioned that they had used “experimental AI generative tools” to create “2D visual props” to “rapidly explore tone and atmosphere in the earlier phases of production”. They clarified that they always intended such “assets to be replaced, following final work and review by our art and development teams”.

Regarding not disclosing it, the devs stated:

“We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI. While these tools were primarily used during early production, with the expectation that these assets would be replaced prior to release, we recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency.”

Apologizing, Pearl Abyss concluded:

“We are currently conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets and are taking steps to replace any affected content. Updated assets will be rolled out in upcoming patches. In parallel, we are reviewing and strengthening our internal processes to ensure greater transparency and consistency in how we communicate with players moving forward.”

If you are looking for any of these reportedly AI arts, you will find one in the Oakenshield Manor. The controversy stemmed from not just the inclusion of such AI art, but also that Pearl Abyss had not disclosed it beforehand. At least now we know the devs’ side of the story and can expect these assets to be replaced sometime in the future.

While Crimson Desert has had a greatly successful launch, there have been a few hiccups plaguing Pearl Abyss’ title apart from the AI controversy. One of the biggest complaints have been regarding the unnecessarily complicated controls, especially on KBM on PC. Thankfully, the devs have committed to addressing these in subsequent patches.