"Surviving Together": Enduring Life's Challenges with Jan, Joining Forces with All the Other Jan's
In the intriguing world of "The Alters", a survival management game set in a science fiction environment, players find themselves on a mission to discover the mysterious resource Rapidium on an alien planet. Developed by 11 Bit Studios and available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this game has recently been under scrutiny for its use of AI-generated content.
The controversy began when it was discovered that certain textures and translations within the game, specifically the Brazilian Portuguese translation for licensed movies, contained AI-generated text. This revelation sparked criticism as the use of AI-generated content was not disclosed on the game's Steam page, a requirement for games on the platform.
11 Bit Studios has since responded, stating that the AI-generated content was intended as placeholders. The studio claims that the failure to replace the AI-generated text in one instance was an oversight, while the AI translation for the movies was due to last-minute translations not being ready on time. The developer has promised to rectify the issue with upcoming hotfixes to remove or replace the AI-generated content. However, as of the latest updates, the game's Steam page had not been updated to disclose AI use.
The game presents a unique blend of survival management and philosophical questions about identity and reality. The protagonist, Jan, uses a quantum computer, Rapidium, and a machine in his base to create alternative versions of himself, each with different professions such as constructor, scientist, technician, or doctor. These alternative Jans are tasked with mining ore, producing food, or researching new technologies.
Players' decisions in the game can lead to different outcomes and endings, creating a sense of engagement and immersion. The fate of the alternative Jans and how protagonist Jan copes with confronting other versions of himself who might have had better lives remains uncertain.
The game is rated for ages 16 and up (USK) and costs around 30 euros. Despite the ongoing controversy, "The Alters" offers a compelling science fiction experience that challenges players to navigate a complex world filled with ethical dilemmas and survival strategies.
- The discovery of AI-generated text in the game's Brazilian Portuguese translation, including certain textures and translations for licensed movies, has raised concerns about the use of artificial-intelligence content in "The Alters".
- In the game "The Alters", the protagonist, Jan, uses technology such as a quantum computer and a machine in his base to create artificial-intelligence generated alternative versions of himself with various professions.
