Updated March 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Pearl Abyss has finally issued a statement regarding the controversy over the use of AI-generated artwork in Crimson Desert. The studio has apologized and will remove the affected elements via future updates.
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Unfortunately, Crimson Desert may find itself in the midst of a new controversy. Several players have posted messages pointing out the presence of AI-generated elements in the game on Reddit.
Indeed, several suspicious pieces of artwork have been published. These include paintings, signs, murals, and other artistic elements scattered throughout the open world of Crimson Desert. These creations feature odd proportions, and paintings depicting horses with strange legs have also been reported. The IGN website has compiled various examples.
For now, Pearl Abyss has not confirmed that it used generative AI in Crimson Desert. The game’s Steam page also makes no mention of any use of AI.
