Updated
Updated · PC Gamer · Aug 24
Alive Inc Replaces AI Cutscenes in Vapor World After 64 Mostly Negative Steam Reviews
Updated
Updated · PC Gamer · Aug 24

Alive Inc Replaces AI Cutscenes in Vapor World After 64 Mostly Negative Steam Reviews

2 articles · Updated · PC Gamer · Aug 24

Summary

  • Alive Inc has already swapped out AI-generated cutscenes in Vapor World: Over The Mind, days after the August 19 early-access launch drew a backlash that overwhelmed discussion of the game itself.
  • 64 Steam reviews had pushed the game to a “mostly negative” rating, with players focusing on inconsistent AI visuals in the opening scenes rather than the painterly art style or parry-heavy combat praised in the earlier demo.
  • Director Young Kim said the roughly five-person studio turned to AI after hand-made, in-engine story scenes repeatedly failed to convey the game’s complex narrative, then admitted that choice was a “hasty judgment.”
  • 100,000 wishlists before launch underscored how sharply the reaction cut against expectations, adding another example to a growing pattern of studios retreating from generative AI use after player backlash.

Insights

What happens when a desperate indie studio uses AI to cut corners, only to face the wrath of 100,000 gamers?
Can a highly anticipated indie game survive a disastrous launch after players uncover its hidden AI secret?