Just days before its December 3rd launch, Let It Die: Inferno dropped a bombshell that has the gaming community up in arms. Developer Supertrick Games disclosed that artificial intelligence wasn’t just used sparingly in their upcoming roguelike – it’s woven throughout nearly every aspect of the game, from voice acting to music to visual assets.
What Exactly Did They Use AI For
According to the mandatory AI disclosure now required on Steam, Supertrick Games confirmed that AI-generated content has been used and then edited by their team for certain parts of the in-game voices, music, and graphics. The statement appeared on the game’s Steam page just weeks before launch, catching many longtime fans of the original Let It Die completely off guard.
The disclosure breaks down into several categories where generative AI made its mark:
- Background signboard textures scattered throughout game environments
- Records illustrations that players encounter during gameplay
- InfoCast videos that deliver story elements and game information
- Character voice acting for specific in-game personalities
- Musical compositions and background tracks
What remains frustratingly unclear is the scale of AI involvement. The developer only mentions “certain parts” and “some elements” without quantifying exactly how much of the game was created by algorithms versus human artists and performers.
The Developer’s Defense
Following the initial backlash, Supertrick Games issued a more detailed statement attempting to justify their AI choices. The studio explained that AI voices were specifically used for characters who, according to the game’s lore, are synthetic AI lifeforms. This creative decision was meant to make the use of artificial voices thematically appropriate rather than just a cost-cutting measure.
The developer also emphasized that these AI-generated voices were not derived from or modeled after any human performers, claiming this approach ensures no copyright concerns. Additionally, they stressed that all AI-generated content was subsequently edited and refined by their human team members, suggesting a collaborative approach between machine and artist.
However, this explanation hasn’t satisfied critics who point out an obvious question – if the team had to extensively edit the AI output anyway, why not just create the assets from scratch with human talent? The time saved versus quality sacrificed equation doesn’t add up for many observers.
Community Response Has Been Brutal
The gaming community’s reaction has been swift and overwhelmingly negative. Reddit users didn’t hold back, with one commenter perfectly summing up the sentiment: “Let it Die then” – a play on the game’s title that captures the disgust many feel toward AI implementation in creative works.
The controversy comes at the worst possible time for Let It Die: Inferno. The original Let It Die was already a divisive game that struggled to find mainstream success. The 2018 PC port peaked at only 1,380 concurrent players on Steam before being delisted less than a year later for planned redevelopment that never materialized. Now this sequel faces an uphill battle not just for attention, but for credibility.
The backlash mirrors similar controversies plaguing the gaming industry. Arc Raiders faced intense criticism for AI voice acting, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 caught heat for AI-generated calling cards. Each instance chips away at player trust and raises fundamental questions about the role of human creativity in game development.
Why This Matters Beyond One Game
Let It Die: Inferno represents a troubling trend in game development. The rushed timeline – announced just months ago during September’s PlayStation State of Play with a December release – suggests AI might have been used to meet impossible deadlines rather than enhance creative vision. This sets a dangerous precedent where AI becomes the solution to poor project management rather than a tool for innovation.
Voice actors and musicians have raised legitimate concerns about AI threatening their livelihoods. One recent case involved a voice actor who thought she was recording for Scottish trains, only to discover her voice had been sold to another company and repackaged as an AI voice generator. Without strong protections and transparency, game developers could exploit performers under false pretenses.
Steam’s new requirement forcing developers to disclose AI use has pulled back the curtain on how widespread these practices have become. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney even criticized these AI disclaimers, drawing his own wave of backlash for appearing to defend opaque AI implementation.
FAQs
What parts of Let It Die: Inferno use artificial intelligence?
Let It Die: Inferno uses AI-generated content for background signboard textures, Records illustrations, InfoCast videos, character voices, and musical compositions. The developer states all AI content was edited by their human team afterward.
When does Let It Die: Inferno release?
Let It Die: Inferno launched on December 3, 2024 for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. The game was announced just months before release during the September PlayStation State of Play presentation.
Why did Supertrick Games use AI in Let It Die: Inferno?
The developer claims AI voices were used specifically for characters who are synthetic AI lifeforms in the game’s lore, making it thematically appropriate. They have not explained why AI was used for music, textures, or visual assets beyond stating the content was later edited by humans.
Is Steam requiring developers to disclose AI use?
Yes, Steam now mandates that all developers must disclose whether their games use generative AI and specify which parts of the game contain AI-generated content. This policy led to Let It Die: Inferno’s controversial disclosure.
Did the original Let It Die use artificial intelligence?
No, the original Let It Die released in 2016 before widespread generative AI tools became available. The game was developed by Grasshopper Manufacture without AI assistance, though it struggled commercially and was eventually delisted from Steam.
Are voice actors concerned about AI replacing them?
Yes, voice actors have expressed serious concerns about AI threatening their careers. Recent cases show performers being deceived about how their voice recordings would be used, with some discovering their voices were sold for AI voice generation without informed consent.
What is the gameplay premise of Let It Die: Inferno?
Let It Die: Inferno follows immortal adventurers called Raiders who explore a massive chasm called the Hell Gate. Players search for the Eye of the Reaper, a mass of SPLithium powerful enough to grant world domination, while fighting other Raiders who stand in their way.
Conclusion
Let It Die: Inferno’s AI disclosure has become a flashpoint in gaming’s ongoing debate about artificial intelligence in creative work. While Supertrick Games attempts to frame their AI use as thematically justified and thoroughly edited by humans, the gaming community sees through what appears to be cost-cutting disguised as innovation. The timing couldn’t be worse for a sequel to an already struggling franchise trying to win over skeptical players. As more games embrace AI tools, the industry faces a reckoning – will algorithmic efficiency replace human artistry, or can developers find a balance that respects both technology and the creators who make games special? For now, Let It Die: Inferno serves as a cautionary tale about transparency, timing, and the importance of putting human creativity first.