GOG uses generative AI image to promote DRM free games, drawing criticism from own artist

By fighting back against DRM restrictions, the GOG store has earned a loyal following. However, some of its supporters are questioning its recent reliance on generative AI. GamingOnLinux noticed a Reddit post where gamers dissected a banner for a New Year Sale. With evidence that it's the product of AI tools, an artist for the website also objected to the image.

A case of a deformed Nintendo console

The most suspicious aspect of the promotional art is the dissolving console on its lower right, which resembles an SNES. Some observers also note that the gamer in the image isn’t facing the TV. On the other hand, he may be staring in the direction of the fireworks outside the windows.

Without supervision, generative AI tools can still produce distorted objects or arrange them nonsensically. Eliminating any doubt, a GOG team member addressed the controversy. In a forum post, KosmicznaPluskwa identifies as an artist who creates artwork for the store. The bullet point reads, “OK, so to clear the air, current sale banner is fully AI. Not my work. This is all I can say on this.”

KosmicznaPluskwa is not a spokesman for the company, but felt compelled to comment. The creator expressed concerns about how AI art is becoming the standard in society. Also, the GOG contributor revealed that the team that designs graphics for the site has been downsized.

Can AI boost GOG profits?

Some gamers see the New Year promo controversy as an attempt to cut costs. The store reportedly generates enough revenue to survive, but suffered a severe drop in net profits since 2023. CD Projekt recently sold the marketplace back to co-founder Michał Kiciński for a modest $25.2 million, a small fraction of what Steam is likely worth.

Even facing financial difficulties, many buyers don’t believe that resorting to AI art is the answer. Redditor dragon-mon promised, “As long as GOG is using generative AI images or coding, I will never buy another game from their site.”

Critics point out that the retailer opened a well-supported Patron account to aid with game preservation efforts. Yet, the company apparently doesn’t have the resources to advertise its DRM-free games without AI tools.