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The first descendant devs face backlash for ai ads misuse

Game Developers in Hot Water | AI Ads Spark Outrage Among Streamers

By

Tariq Ahmed

Aug 22, 2025, 03:49 PM

2 minutes needed to read

Developers of The First Descendant are shown at a press conference discussing AI ad controversy, with frustrated fans in the background holding signs.

A controversy has erupted over game developers who used AI-generated ads that impersonate popular streamers. Comments from social media reflect a backlash against this approach, raising questions about ethics and consumer trust.

Context of the Controversy

The backlash follows the rollout of AI-driven promotion for the game The First Descendant. Many in the gamer community are outraged about developers' choices, as AI-generated content impersonates real voices and personalities without prior consent. Critics argue this undermines the authenticity of online creators and could lead to significant trust issues.

Key Themes from the Community

  1. Ethical Concerns: There is a clear conflict regarding the ethics of using AI to impersonate real people. One commenter remarked, "Sounds like the devs' brains are full of artificial intelligence."

  2. User Discontent: Users feel betrayed. A comment reflected a shared sentiment, stating, "Jesus, whose brilliant idea was that?"

  3. Impact on Streaming Ecosystem: Many believe this could set a bad precedent for how developers engage with influencers and their audiences.

"This could create a dangerous path for the industry if left unchecked." - Community member

Sentiment Trends

Overall, the majority of feedback is negative. Many people expressed discontent and confusion over the decision to utilize AI in such a manner.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ด A growing number of people criticize AI impersonation tactics.

  • โš ๏ธ Gaming integrity and ethics are under scrutiny as the ad rollout continues.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "This sets a dangerous precedent" - Top-voted comment on the forums.

Final Thoughts

The conversation surrounding AI in gaming and marketing strategies likely isn't over. As more people engage with this issue, developers may need to reconsider their approaches to maintain trust within their community. Whatโ€™s next for the future of gaming ads?

Expecting the Ripple Effects

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will rethink their marketing strategies in response to the backlash against AI ads. As more people raise concerns, we might see a shift toward transparency and ethical considerations in advertising practices. Experts estimate around 60% of developers could adopt stricter guidelines to avoid similar controversies. Additionally, if the uproar continues, platforms may introduce policies that prohibit impersonation in ads, significantly altering the relationship between game developers and the influencer community. This could lead to heightened trust between developers and their audience, ensuring that engagement is authentic and genuine.

A Curious Echo from History

The situation mirrors the uproar surrounding the introduction of synthetic voices in the advertising world during the late 90s. Companies that experimented with voice synthesis faced intense backlash for using technology to create impressions of real personalities without consent. Just like then, the advertising world had to adapt, leading to clearer regulations on consent and representation in media. Such historical parallels offer a reminder that innovation in marketing always encounters regulatory and ethical crossroads, reshaping not only business practices but also consumer expectations.