Balatro Dev Localthunk Addresses AI Art Crisis Hurting Artists

Localthunk, the developer behind the roguelike poker game Balatro, has addressed a controversy in the community regarding the acceptance of AI-generated art. A former moderator of the Balatro subreddit supported AI art, but Localthunk clarified that both he and his publisher, Playstack, do not approve of AI-generated images. The developer emphasized that AI art harms traditional artists and announced the removal of the moderator, stating that the subreddit will no longer allow AI-generated content. This move comes amid a larger discussion on the ethics of AI in the gaming industry, which has faced criticism for its impact on creators and the quality of AI-generated material.

Localthunk strongly disapproves of AI-generated art, stating that it does real harm to artists, and has made it clear that such content will not be allowed in the Balatro subreddit.

Balatro is a unique blend of poker and roguelike gameplay, encouraging strategic thinking and risk management. The game has gained popularity for its innovative mechanics, and the recent debate over AI art highlights the ongoing tensions in the gaming community regarding traditional artistry versus technology-driven content creation. As the industry rapidly adopts AI, discussions around its implications for game development and creative work continue to evolve.