The Steam listing for Bandai Namco’sEverybody’s Golf: Hot Shotsincludes a disclosure detailing the game’s use of content generated by artificial intelligence. The newest entry in a series dating back to the original PlayStation in 1997,Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shotsis being developed by Hyde for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The role of generative AI in game development has come into question as the technology has exploded in sophistication and popularity in recent years. AI tools have presented a number of complex ethical issues regarding fair use and concerns that human roles may be replaced by AI in an already volatile industry. Take-Two Interactive, CD Projekt Red, and Electronic Arts are among somemajor publishers that have acknowledged the risks associated with AI, such as reputational damage and the uncredited use of human artists' intellectual property.
The AI Generated Content Disclosure included in theSteam pageforEverybody’s Golf: Hot Shotsexplains that the textures for trees and leafs found in the game’s courses were created using images generated by AI. Valve began requiring developers submitting their games to Steam to describe if andhow AI is used in the game development processin January 2024, including any pre-generated or live-generated content. Valve then conducts a pre-release review of each game’s output of AI-generated content and compares their findings to the provided disclosure. Seeing asEverybody’s Golf: Hot Shotshas been listed without issue, it’s safe to assume the disclosure is exhaustive, although players are able to report content they suspect is inappropriately generated.
Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots Uses AI to Generate Graphics
The use of generative AI in games is a controversial topic, with a variety of opinions among gamers making it difficult for some developers to judge where and when it’s appropriate to utilize the technology. Frontier Developments found itself the target of serious backlash for itsuse of AI inJurassic World Evolution 3to generate scientist portraits, prompting the developer to remove the images. However, some gamers have argued that generative AI is acceptable — and should be used — for rudimentary tasks likeEverybody’s Golf: Hot Shotshas with its foliage.
Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shotslooks to be bringing the series back to its roots with its simple, classic control scheme while also introducing unique new ways to play. The game also features a fun cast of characters, withPac-Man joiningEverybody’s Golf: Hot Shotsas a pre-order bonusfor players who buy before release on September 4.
