Riot Games is facing backlash after the release of a poorly received AI-generated trailer for League of Legends: Wild Rift's third anniversary. Initially shared on Weibo, the trailer showcased familiar characters like Jinx and Seraphine in a strange, glitchy fashion, leading fans to criticize the decision to use AI in creative content. Players expressed disappointment, describing the visuals as a "bootleg KPop Demon Hunters" experience and calling for Riot to prioritize traditional animation methods that respect the artistry involved. While AI-generated content has become more common in the industry, many gamers remain skeptical about its impact on game development and storytelling.

Why are League of Legends fans upset about the AI-generated trailer?

Fans are upset because the trailer's quality was deemed poor, featuring bizarre visual elements and off-putting audio, leading to concerns about the creative direction of the franchise. Many believe relying on AI disrespects the hard work of traditional animators and diminishes the quality of the anniversary content.

League of Legends, a highly popular multiplayer online battle arena game, has built a vast universe since its launch in 2009. The game has always emphasized its storytelling and character designs through traditional animation, making the shift to AI-generated content particularly jarring for its dedicated community. The controversy highlights ongoing debates around artificial intelligence's role in the creative industries, especially concerning video games and the potential impact on employment and artistic integrity.