The creator of Need for Speed’s new game is considering AI amidst financial difficulties, sparking a furor in the community.
Struggling to secure $1.5 million in funding… Developers draw a line, saying they won’t use AI in creative fields.
A dark fantasy action game that evokes nostalgia for the PS3 era, with similarities to ‘Dante’s Inferno’ also noted.
Indie game developer Superboo Studios is facing strong criticism from numerous media outlets and the gaming community after allegations surfaced that the official trailer for the dark fantasy action-adventure game ‘Fallen’, currently in development, contained a large number of AI-generated images.
Recently released The trailer for “Fallen” quickly captivated indie game fans worldwide with its realistic graphics and cinematic presentation. However, suspicions were raised among some users and developers, who questioned whether portions of the footage were created using generative AI. The controversy stemmed from the fact that the naturalness of the character movements and environmental presentation differed from typical indie game production methods.
Superboo’s “Fallen” trailer sparks controversy over AI use
The AI image featured in the trailer remains unresponsive to the community, despite explanations that it’s “only temporary.”
According to a report on the 17th by Spanish gaming media outlet 3DJuegos, the recently released announcement trailer for Fallen contained numerous scenes that appeared to be AI-generated. The game has been attracting industry attention as it is directed by Brooke Burgess, known for her work as the screenwriter for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.
As the controversy spread, Burgess explained that he had only used the AI images as “placeholders.” However, given the recent heated ethical debate in the gaming industry regarding the use of AI-generated content, it seems unlikely he will avoid critical scrutiny from the gaming community.
Struggling to raise $1.5 million… Some investors are urging companies to cut costs with AI.
Burgess is reportedly facing difficulties in securing approximately $1.5 million (approximately 2.1 billion won) in funding to complete game development. The current sluggish investment environment in the gaming industry, both domestically and internationally, is cited as the primary reason.
According to an interview with Games Industry, a specialized media outlet specializing in the gaming industry, several investors and publishers expressed interest in Fallen’s concept, but very few actually committed to it. This reflects the market’s tendency to prioritize funding over mid-sized projects, focusing on smaller indie games and commercially proven blockbusters.
In particular, some potential investors have reportedly suggested the active use of AI technology as a way to reduce development costs. While Burgess remains cautious, he remains open to the possibility of AI adoption in specific areas, such as game localization, quality assurance (QA), and auxiliary animation work.
“The script and dialogue are all human-made”… Drawing a line in the creative realm
However, Burgess drew a clear line when it came to the core creative aspects of the game. He reaffirmed his principle that “AI will never be used for creative writing or character dialogue,” and that “the narrative and emotional depth of a game must always be in the hands of a human writer.”
This stance is interpreted as a compromise that acknowledges the effectiveness of AI technology while preserving artistic value and the role of the creator. However, suspicions that AI images were used in the trailer have already been confirmed. Concerns are being raised about the extent to which AI will be utilized in future game development.
A fallen angel’s journey through hell… Dante’s Inferno déjà vu?
Fallen is a third-person action-adventure title set in the golden age of action games on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It follows the fallen angel Astra on her journey through Hell to regain her lost powers and discover her true purpose.
The gameplay focuses on fast-paced, combo-driven combat and cinematic presentation. Specifically, players are presented with three choices: forgive, condemn, or abandon the souls they encounter in Hell. Each decision has a direct impact on gameplay, including temporary power boosts, unlocking new skills, summoning archangels, and revealing hidden paths and bosses.
The development team has stated that they were also inspired by indie classics like Hyper Light Drifter, Tunic, and Death’s Door. However, some have pointed out that the game’s visuals and setting bear significant similarities to Dante’s Inferno, released in 2010. The overlapping core elements—a dark fantasy setting set in Hell, a third-person action system, and religious motifs—have led some media outlets and online communities to question the game’s originality.
Early development phase, launch date unknown…Securing investment is key.
Fallen is currently in early development, with a demo used to pitch investors for funding, but it’s far from a polished, final version. Despite financial challenges, the development team remains committed to its vision of creating “a focused and memorable standalone experience, distinct from modern, infinitely-lasting live-service games.”
The game is targeting PC and console releases, but a specific release date has not yet been announced. Securing future investment will likely be a key variable in determining development speed and final quality.
Following Fatal Fury and Clair Obscur, the gaming industry’s AI debate continues.
The Fallen AI image controversy is the latest example of the ongoing debate over AI use in the gaming industry. Previously, AI-generated images were also discovered in the Season 2 trailer for SNK’s fighting game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, sparking a fierce backlash from fans.
Also, at the end of last year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which had virtually swept most of the game awards, was stripped of its “Game of the Year” and “Debut Game” awards from the world-renowned “Indie Game Awards” after it was confirmed that it used generative AI. This incident is expected to be one of the hottest topics in the game industry at the end of 2025.
The incident sparked a huge debate among gamers and experts about the scope of AI technology’s applications.
- Pro-revocation side: “The value of indie games lies in the pure creativity of human beings. Breaking the rules is clearly unfair, and strict standards are needed to protect the creative ecosystem.”
- Opposition (support) side: “It is excessively harsh to deny the artistry and innovation of the entire game and deprive it of its target just because AI was used on a few temporary posters in the background.”
Incorporating AI technology into game development offers practical benefits, including cost savings and improved production efficiency. However, the industry is deeply troubled by various ethical concerns, including copyright infringement, potential job losses in the gaming industry, and the potential for artistic value loss, all of which are fueled by the term “technically laundered plagiarism.” The industry is deeply troubled, with arguments for and against the technology circulating.
Indie developers, in particular, are tempted by AI technology amidst the pressure to achieve AAA-level visuals with limited budgets and manpower. However, they also face the dilemma of ignoring the critical gaze of the gaming community. The case of Fallen is considered a symbolic example of this industry-wide concern.
