Owlcat Games, the developer behind the upcoming Mass Effect-style sci-fi RPG The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, has confirmed its use of generative AI in the game’s development process. While the studio assures that no visible AI-generated content will appear in the final release, this announcement has sparked discussion within the gaming community.
Katharina Popp, Owlcat’s PR Lead, clarified the scope of AI integration in a press statement. She explained, “We are not using it to create assets that will be in the game. We are using it a lot for prototyping, for trying out things, for placeholders. All of those will be replaced in the end. We are essentially using it to try things on a technical level.”
Popp elaborated further on its application: “For example, looking at how a 2D image looks in 3D, or changing colors based on what looks good. So it’s essentially to be able to iterate faster. But we are not using it for writing, we are not using AI voice actors, so everything that will be in the final version will definitely be 100 percent human-made.”
This isn’t the first time Owlcat has openly discussed employing AI in certain development facets. However, it’s worth noting that their critically acclaimed previous RPGs, such as Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, did not incorporate generative AI.
Owlcat has faced scrutiny for this decision, as the gaming community often expresses strong reservations about AI integration in creative works. As demonstrated by titles like Crimson Desert and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the detection of generative AI in a final product typically leads to backlash, often sparking significant community reaction, even if it doesn’t entirely halt sales.