AI-Generated Text in The Alters Shakes 11 bit Studios’ Trust

The uproar over generative AI in games has moved beyond a tech debate—it’s a matter of trust. As someone who’s followed narrative-driven indies for years, I was surprised when 11 bit studios confirmed that AI-produced lines and translations slipped into the final build of The Alters. For a studio renowned for careful, human-led storytelling, this shortcut sent shockwaves through the gaming community.

Timeline of Events: How AI Got In

• Shortly before launch, 11 bit studios was under heavy crunch—an industry term for extended overtime to meet deadlines.
• According to the studio’s April blog post, a small portion of background text and non-critical translations (around 0.3%) used generative AI.
• Players spotted unnatural phrasing in English flavor text and odd translations in Korean and Portuguese.
• Within days, 11 bit issued a public statement acknowledging the oversight and began reworking the affected text.
• Valve’s new policy requires disclosure of AI content on Steam pages—a step 11 bit missed before release, fueling criticism.

Why This Matters to the Industry

Generative AI refers to systems that produce new content—text, images or code—based on trained data. Studios see AI as a potential time-saver under tight schedules, but when it replaces human writers or localizers, it can erode the handcrafted feel that defines many indie titles.

11 bit studios built its reputation on player-first narratives in games like This War of Mine and Frostpunk. When a trusted developer skips human review—even temporarily—it raises questions about quality and transparency. Community trust is hard-earned and easily lost.

Valve’s Disclosure Rules and Community Response

Valve now requires developers to flag AI-generated assets on Steam. 11 bit’s Steam listing originally lacked any mention of AI involvement, leading players to call out the omission. In response, the studio updated its page and detailed the steps taken to replace or revise the AI-derived text.

The quick mobilization by the community echoes other AI controversies, such as the rumor-fueled backlash at Frontier Developments over alleged AI dialogues in Jurassic World Evolution 3. Gamers aren’t anti-AI—they demand clarity about when and where it’s used.

Implications for Developers and Players

For players, knowing who crafted a game’s dialogue and localized content matters. Even if 99.7% of a script is hand-written, a few bot-generated lines can feel jarring and break immersion. Transparency—both pre- and post-launch—builds confidence.

For studios, this episode is a reminder: hire dedicated translators, maintain clear version control, and scrub temporary AI assets before release. Above all, communicate openly with your audience about your production pipeline.

Looking Ahead: AI, Transparency and Best Practices

As AI tools become more common, the onus is on developers to establish guidelines—possibly through industry bodies like the IGDA—to define acceptable use. Future research could examine how AI impacts creative integrity and player trust over time.

11 bit studios has pledged to refine its localization process and improve its disclosure procedures. Whether this rebuilding of trust sticks will depend on consistent follow-through. In an era of shortcuts, authenticity remains a studio’s most valuable currency.