"Balatro Dev Localthunk Tackles AI Art Controversy on Reddit"

Localthunk, the creative force behind the innovative roguelike poker game Balatro, recently addressed a contentious issue within the game's community on Reddit. The situation arose due to statements made by DrTankHead, a former moderator of the Balatro subreddit, who also moderated a NSFW version of the subreddit. DrTankHead had publicly stated that AI-generated art would be permitted on both subreddits, provided it was properly tagged and claimed, a stance he claimed was agreed upon with Playstack, Balatro's publisher.

However, Localthunk quickly clarified that neither they nor Playstack supported the use of AI-generated art. In a statement on the Balatro subreddit, Localthunk expressed a strong opposition to AI "art," citing its potential harm to artists and confirming that it was not used in the development of Balatro. As a result of the controversy, DrTankHead was removed from the moderation team, and Localthunk announced a new policy banning AI-generated images from the subreddit, promising updates to the rules and FAQ to reflect this decision.

Playstack's communications director later acknowledged that the existing rules could have been clearer, particularly a rule about "no unlabeled AI content," which might have led to misunderstandings. The remaining moderators plan to revise the language to prevent future confusion.

DrTankHead, now removed from the r/Balatro moderation team, addressed the situation on the NSFW Balatro subreddit, stating that while they do not intend to make the subreddit AI-centric, they are considering designating specific days for AI-generated art posts.

The incident highlights the broader debate around generative AI within the gaming and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs and scrutiny over ethical and rights issues related to AI. Despite experiments like Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create an entirely AI-generated game, major companies such as EA and Capcom continue to explore AI's potential, while Activision recently faced criticism for using AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.