Crimson Desert Developer Confirms Use of AI Assets in Game

Shortly after its release, reports surfaced that Crimson Desert contains AI-generated assets, a fact that developer Pearl Abyss has now acknowledged.

“Following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release,” Pearl Abyss stated. “This is not in line with our internal standards, and we take full responsibility for it.”

Crimson Desert was launched on Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 on March 19th, 2026.

The developer also admitted, “We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI. While these tools were primarily used during early production, with the expectation that these assets would be replaced prior to release, we recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency.”

Pearl Abyss apologized for the oversight of including AI-generated assets in the game’s final version and announced a “comprehensive audit” of all in-game assets to ensure that any AI content is replaced with work created by human artists that meets quality standards and creative direction.

The Steam page for the game has been updated to include a statement regarding the use of generative AI technology:

“Generative AI technology is used in a supplementary capacity during the creation of some 2D prop assets. Any such assets are replaced through our production pipeline by our art and development teams, ensuring they meet our quality standards and creative direction.”

Here is the full message from the team regarding the use of AI in Crimson Desert:

We would like to address questions regarding the use of AI in Crimson Desert.

During development, some 2D visual props were created using experimental AI generative tools for early-stage iteration to explore tone and atmosphere. However, our intention has always been for any such assets to be replaced with work that aligns with our quality standards and creative direction.

Following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release. This is not in line with our internal standards, and we take full responsibility for it.

We sincerely apologize for these oversights and are actively working to replace affected content. Updated assets will be rolled out in upcoming patches. We are also reviewing and strengthening our internal processes to ensure greater transparency and consistency in our communication with players.