While lots of game developers are embracing generative AI for iteration and even full release, one indie dev is pulling his game over regret for using the technology.

Indie developer Rakuel released his rock-paper-scissors style roguelike card game Hardest last summer for Windows PC (via Steam), though he’s now pulling the game on January 30th over gen AI he used in the game.

The reasoning behind his remorse over using gen AI wasn’t from criticism in the Steam reviews or overall debates in the industry, though. It was his new girlfriend that said using the tech is a “disgrace” for both its effects on the economy and the environment.

“I have realized the AI is not actually free, and it has a major effect on the economy and environment,” the developer said. “Some AI companies can use this game just existing as a reason the get more investment for their AI companies, that benefit no one, but rather suck resources from the economy from hard working people.”

He added, “I coded everything myself, so I can in the future make a new game with real assets if I feel like it, but the game existing in its current form is a disgrace to all game makers and players. Ethically only logical reason is to delete the game from Steam. The girl I’ve been dating for a month made me realize this.”

Elsewhere in the message the solo developer said he “made this game during the summer in couple months” and thought to use gen AI because “in university there is so much brainwashing on students and all the tools are given for free.” Coming from this, he thought to just “generate unlimited images for free.”

Generative AI use has been controversial in the industry, forcing even beloved developers like Larian Studios to swear it off for their next game, while others like ARC Raiders openly used it in final release and still got wildly popular.