"Balatro Dev Localthunk Tackles AI Art Controversy on Reddit"

Localthunk, the creative force behind the acclaimed roguelike poker game Balatro, recently addressed a controversy within the game's subreddit concerning AI-generated art. The issue came to light when DrTankHead, a former moderator of the Balatro subreddit and current moderator of a NSFW Balatro subreddit, publicly stated that AI art would not be banned from the subreddits as long as it was properly tagged and claimed. This stance was attributed to discussions with Playstack, the game's publisher.

However, Localthunk quickly clarified their position on Bluesky, stating that neither they nor Playstack supported the use of AI-generated art. This was followed by a more detailed statement on the Balatro subreddit, where Localthunk expressed strong opposition to AI art, emphasizing its harmful impact on artists and confirming that it was not used in Balatro. They also announced the removal of DrTankHead from the moderation team and a new policy banning AI-generated images from the subreddit.

In response to the confusion, Playstack's communications director admitted that the existing rule against "unlabeled AI content" might have been misinterpreted. The mod team plans to update the rules and FAQ to clarify the stance on AI-generated content.

DrTankHead, after being removed, posted in the NSFW Balatro subreddit, stating they do not intend to make it AI-centric but are considering a designated day for AI-generated art posts.

The incident underscores the ongoing debate over generative AI in the entertainment and gaming industries, sectors that have faced significant layoffs. Critics of AI in gaming cite ethical and rights issues, as well as the technology's inability to create engaging content, as evidenced by Keywords Studios' failed experiment to develop a game using AI exclusively. Despite these challenges, tech giants like EA and Capcom continue to explore AI's potential, while Activision's use of AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has sparked backlash among fans.