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Let it Die: Inferno: Dev Clarifies AI Use Amid Launch Buzz

Let it Die: Inferno: Dev Clarifies AI Use Amid Launch Buzz
Artwork from Let it Die: Inferno showcasing in-game characters and visual elements, representative of the game's aesthetic and its use of AI in development.

Supertrick Games, the studio behind the recently launched Let it Die: Inferno, has issued a comprehensive statement addressing the widespread controversy surrounding the game's use of generative AI. Following an initial Steam disclosure that hinted at substantial AI integration across art, music, and voice, the developer's clarification aims to provide granular detail, suggesting the actual implementation is more nuanced and less extensive than initially perceived by many.

Supertrick Games Clarifies AI Stance

The controversy erupted shortly after Let it Die: Inferno, the highly anticipated sequel to the cult-favorite Let it Die, made its debut. An AI disclosure on its Steam page sparked significant community discussion and concern. In response, Supertrick Games swiftly moved to elaborate on their development practices, providing a detailed breakdown of where and why generative AI tools were employed, aiming for full transparency.

The Human Touch vs. AI Voices

One of the most debated aspects was AI-generated voice acting. Supertrick Games confirmed that generative AI was indeed utilized for the voices of two specific in-game characters: an "AI-driven machine" and a "mysterious life form." The studio emphasized that this decision was a deliberate creative choice, meticulously made to align with the unique nature and lore of these non-human entities, rather than a cost-saving measure. Crucially, the statement asserted that these AI-generated voices were developed without modeling or deriving from any human performers, thereby alleviating potential copyright concerns. For all other in-game characters, human performers provided the voice work, underscoring a commitment to traditional voice acting for the majority of the cast.

AI's Role in Visuals: A Collaborative Effort

Regarding in-game art, generative AI played a foundational, rather than final, role. Supertrick Games explained that AI tools were used to produce "rough base images" for elements such as background posters, 'InfoCast' news inserts, and various in-game reading materials. However, these initial AI outputs were not used directly. Instead, the studio's human artists meticulously "painted over, refined, and adjusted by hand," transforming the AI-generated starting points into polished, final assets. The developer also briefly noted that the AI tool assisted them in observing copyright laws, though specific details on this mechanism were not provided.

Soundscapes: AI-Assisted, Human-Refined

The creation of background music, particularly for the Iron Perch area, also saw AI integration at an early stage. Generative AI was employed to initiate the composition process by creating "stems," which are essentially individual audio tracks or mixed components. Following the AI's contribution, the vast majority of these stems were not simply edited but were "rebuilt from scratch" by human audio professionals, with only a select few undergoing manual adjustments. This indicates that while AI provided a starting point, the final musical arrangements were predominantly shaped and finalized by human input.

Beyond the AI Debate: Gameplay & Reception

Beyond the specifics of AI use, Let it Die: Inferno marks a significant shift in gameplay. Departing from its predecessor's asymmetrical multiplayer concept, the sequel introduces direct, real-time multiplayer combat within a trending PvEvP (Player versus Environment versus Player) framework. However, initial reception on Steam has been lukewarm, with the game currently holding a "Mixed" overall response from players. Supertrick Games’ detailed statement on AI aims to bring clarity to one of the game’s most discussed aspects as it navigates its launch period.