The use of AI in crafting video games has been nothing but controversial in recent times, and Marvel Rivals isn’t spared from this conflict. As noticed, and rightly called out by players online on r/marvelrivals, the game features art that can arguably be called artificially generated. This brings up the question: Does Marvel Rivals use AI?
I didn’t want to accuse the game of using AI, but I have a hard time believing a human artist made this mistake… by
u/bloodpumpkin in
marvelrivals
The answer, for now, is no, as far as using artificially generated assets goes, the studio has yet to officially acknowledge any usage of artificially generated artwork in the game. However, NetEase has been clear on its policy for using AI to craft games, and has already been using it in fields such as voice chat moderation, bots in quick-play, and even in research and development that goes on in the background.
NetEase Has Always Been Clear About Its AI Usage
The studio has previously given a statement on their use of AI | Credit: NetEase Games
As mentioned before, the use of AI in video games is controversial, as was made clear by the recent Crimson Desert controversy, which put Pearl Abyss in deep water. However, when it comes to NetEase Games, the studio has always been clear about its use of AI: it will continue to leverage this latest bubble of technology to make its production more efficient and better for now, at least in the research and development department.
This was made clear with a statement given by NetEase a couple of months ago, where Japanese developer Goichi Suda hinted that the company had shut down their AI research department, a rumor which was quickly shut down with a statement given to PCGamesN:
The situation described did not occur, and we have not published any related policies.
China is one of the leading countries when it comes to development in Artificial Intelligence, a trait that will naturally be picked up by local studios. NetEase Games happens to be one such studio, and their heavy reliance on AI might be becoming more evident than ever in Marvel Rivals.
Players React to Alleged AI-Generated Assets Found in Marvel Rivals
Credit: NetEase Games
Credit: NetEase Games
Credit: NetEase Games
Credit: NetEase Games
Credit: NetEase Games
User u/bloodpumpkin pointed out in his thread how a closer look at the background assets of Magik’s Disco skin shows an inconsistency in the artwork of a piano keyboard’s stand, showing multiple legs in a non-natural way. Following is what other users had to say about it:
Comment by
u/bloodpumpkin from discussion
in
marvelrivals
Comment by
u/bloodpumpkin from discussion
in
marvelrivals
Comment by
u/bloodpumpkin from discussion
in
marvelrivals
Comment by
u/bloodpumpkin from discussion
in
marvelrivals
Discussions on Reddit and Steam have repeatedly flagged specific in-game assets as potentially AI-generated. One notable example involves the Spider-Oni spray from the battle pass, with users on the Steam Discussion page pointing out how the character’s hands appear distorted.
What’s clear is that while NetEase openly supports AI as a development tool, player trust remains tentative. AI-generated content is also only going to become harder to detect, and an official disclosure might be the only way to find out if the game’s using generated assets or not.
Is NetEase’s alleged use of AI in Marvel Rivals a smart move, or does it cross a line for you as a player? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
