Panache Digital Games is pulling AI-generated assets from its upcoming historical game 1666: Amsterdam after players spotted the artificial creations in the free prologue now available on PC.
The developer acknowledged the misstep in a statement on X/Twitter, confirming that some early asset versions using generative AI made it into the 30-minute playable demo. The problematic content includes in-game portraits and marketing materials that were produced using the technology.
The studio, known for the survival game Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, says human-made replacements will arrive in a forthcoming update. Panache also pledged that no AI-generated assets will appear in the Early Access or full release versions of the game.
The admission came after community members flagged suspicious artwork within days of the prologue's launch on Epic Games Store and Steam. The game currently holds a mixed rating on both platforms, with complaints about AI usage scattered throughout user reviews.
"They use gen AI in many places," one critic wrote. "Pictures inside the game, assets and even the promo key art is generated." Another reviewer expressed frustration over cutting corners: "It's not hard to hire an artist to do concept art, or in-game assets."
Not all feedback was negative. Some players praised the prologue's atmosphere and its resemblance to Assassin's Creed 2, though technical performance drew mixed reactions. The game represents a project that founder Patrice Désilets conceived years ago, following his contentious split from Ubisoft, where he co-created the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Panache emphasized that the studio maintains a team of over a dozen experienced artists. The company framed the AI usage as an oversight during early development rather than an intentional strategy, though it remains unclear whether the AI assets were always destined for replacement or were only changed due to player backlash.
The prologue serves as a proof-of-concept before a planned Early Access release later this year, with a full launch targeted for a date yet to be announced.
Author Emily Chen: "Another studio learns the hard way that shortcuts with generative AI cost more in reputation damage than just hiring real artists from the start."
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