The Controversy Surrounding AI-Generated Art in Apex Legends’ Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Event

The gaming community has been abuzz with discussion and concern over the use of AI-generated art in Apex Legends’ Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth event. The controversy began when the event’s promotional materials, announced during the 2023 Video Game Awards and launched on January 6, 2024, came under scrutiny. Fans and artists alike have accused the game’s developers of using AI-generated art, particularly in a recent trailer.

Art Director and Designer Thorsten Denk was one of the first to voice his concerns. He pointed out specific artwork in the promotional materials that he believed to be AI-generated. Denk expressed disappointment at the potential use of AI instead of commissioning artists and shared screenshots of the art in question to support his claims.

The controversy has sparked reactions from various artists and members of the gaming community. Rainbow Six Siege Community Artist Elevate KOOBI expressed surprise and disappointment, especially considering Apex Legends’ history of collaborating with talented artists. This discussion reflects a broader debate on the use of AI in artistic creation, particularly in contexts where human artists have traditionally been employed.

As of now, neither Respawn Entertainment nor EA, the developer and publisher of Apex Legends, have officially addressed these allegations. The lack of response has left many in the gaming community eagerly awaiting clarification on the matter.

In a related note, Apex Legends developer Daniel Klein has criticized the insulting behavior of some players towards Respawn developers. He emphasized that such negativity, including personal attacks and insults, has led some developers to avoid direct communication with the community. This toxic environment raises concerns about the impact of player feedback on developers and highlights the importance of respectful interaction within gaming communities.

It remains to be seen how Respawn Entertainment and EA will address the allegations surrounding the use of AI-generated art in Apex Legends’ Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth event. The controversy has sparked significant discussion and concern within the gaming community, and until official statements are made, the debate on the role of AI in artistic creation will likely continue.