A new update for the popular RPG Crimson Desert has seemingly removed some of the generative AI art that fans discovered in the game recently. The patch notes alluded to this, with developer Pearl Abyss saying the new update would offer “visual improvements” that included replacing “select 2D visual assets to better align with the game’s art direction.”
Pearl Abyss previously confirmed that Crimson Desert launched with AI-generated art assets that were not meant to be published in the final game. The studio also said it should have disclosed the game’s use of AI prior to launch.
An in-game painting featuring horses with too many limbs was replaced by a new piece of art. You can see the new art below, as captured by GameSpot.
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Pearl Abyss said it used generative AI tools “primarily” during early production on Crimson Desert, with the expectation that they would be replaced prior to launch. “We recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency. We sincerely apologize for these oversights,” the studio said, adding that it would conduct a “comprehensive audit” of all in-game assets to replace art where needed.
The Crimson Desert controversy is similar to what happened when it was discovered that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 featured AI-generated art. Like Pearl Abyss, developer Sandfall Interactive claimed that these were “temporary placeholder textures” that were meant to be replaced, but slipped through the cracks during the QA process. As a result, Clair Obscur was stripped of the Indie Game of the Year and Debut Game awards it won at the The Indie Game Awards in 2025.
Crimson Desert has sold more than 3 million copies and just broke its Steam concurrency record, weeks after launch. For more, check out GameSpot’s Crimson Desert review.