Not long after its launch, reports that Crimson Desert has gen AI assets in game surfaced – which its developer Pearl Abyss has now confirmed are true.

“Following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release,” Pearl Abyss said. “This is not in line with our internal standards, and we take full responsibility for it.”

Crimson Desert was just released across Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 on March 19th, 2026.

The developer added, “We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI. While these tools were primarily used during early production, with the expectation that these assets would be replaced prior to release, we recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency.”

Pearl Abyss apologized for the oversight on letting gen AI assets in the game’s final release and said they are conducting a “comprehensive audit” of all in-game assets to make sure any gen AI content is replaced with work “that aligned with quality standards and creative direction,” presumably made by humans.

While the game’s Steam page originally had no gen AI disclosure, it has been updated with this new blurb:

“Generative AI technology is used in a supplementary capacity during the creation of some 2D prop assets. Any such assets are replaced through our production pipeline by our art and development teams, ensuring they meet our quality standards and creative direction.”

Here’s the full message from the team on the gen AI usage:

We would like to address questions regarding the use of AI in Crimson Desert.

During development, some 2D visual props were created as part of early-stage iteration using experimental AI generative tools. These assets helped us rapidly explore tone and atmosphere in the earlier phases of production. However, our intention has always been for any such assets to be replaced, following final work and review by our art and development teams, with work that aligned with our quality standards and creative direction.

Following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release. This is not in line with our internal standards, and we take full responsibility for it.

We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI. While these tools were primarily used during early production, with the expectation that these assets would be replaced prior to release, we recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency.

We sincerely apologize for these oversights.

We are currently conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets and are taking steps to replace any affected content. Updated assets will be rolled out in upcoming patches. In parallel, we are reviewing and strengthening our internal processes to ensure greater transparency and consistency in how we communicate with players moving forward.