Does FragPunk use AI art? The truth revealed

AI has resulted in the overall video game community being fairly divisive. The tool is used in almost every piece of entertainment media now, whether it’s to resurrect the likeness of actors who have passed away, as with what happened in multiple DC and Disney movies, or to make non-profit videos of actors singing songs they otherwise wouldn’t go near.

However, AI art is something that a lot of people find controversial, especially when it’s used in media like video games. Genshin Impact had the whole AI voice debacle and now the most recenet game to be scrutanized for using AI is FragPunk ^[1], Today, we want to delve into everything you can possibly want to know about FragPunk’s potential use of AI, including whether the game actually uses it, and what the implications may be for video games going forward.

So, if you’ve also been wondering whether FragPunk really used AI art, then keep reading because we have you covered.

The allegations of AI-generated art in FragPunk

​The integration of artificial intelligence in art creation has sparked significant debate within the gaming community. One recent example is FragPunk, a 5v5 hero shooter developed by Bad Guitar Studio and published by NetEase. Allegations have emerged suggesting the use of AI-generated art in the game's promotional materials, leading to discussions about the ethical implications of such practices.

The allegations began before players even got to play FragPunk. The game’s promotional artwork showed signs of being AI-generated, especially an image that had the character Serket appear to be missing a finger. Those who have researched AI-generated art before will likely know that one thing the tools struggle to comprehend is hands, particularly fingers. 

Overall, this detail raised suspicions, as AI-generated images often struggle with accurately depicting human anatomy, especially hands. A Reddit post highlighting this discrepancy fueled further speculation about the use of AI in the game's art assets. Since then, the entire game has been under heavy scrutiny by the video game community, especially those who believe the use of AI-generated art is basically “cheating” and takes away from those who actually pour passion and dedication into their work.

Has FragPunk’s developer responded to using AI-generated art?

Despite the growing concerns, there has been no official confirmation from Bad Guitar Studio regarding the use of AI-generated art in FragPunk. Some community members argue that the anomalies could result from human error during the design process rather than the involvement of AI tools. However, the general consensus is that such an error is very unlikely to be derived from human error, suggesting that particular image was likely used through AI generation.

The one thing that has most people second guessing themselves is the fact that platforms like Steam have policies requiring developers to disclose the use of AI in game development. FragPunk doesn’t have any such disclaimers, which suggests the game hasn’t used AI-generated content. Of course, that would just be limited to the game itself and not the marketing material, which means there’s still a chance the game’s promotional material was used through AI, at least some of it.

Overall, FragPunk is being enjoyed by multiple people worldwide, and the AI controversy is ultimately not that big. The game has multiple unique gameplay features, like the Shard Card mechanic, that ensure FragPunk is fresh for gamers and can create an identity separate from the many other 5-on-5 hero shooters out there, like Valorant.

What other games use AI-generated art?

The FragPunk situation reflects a larger trend in the gaming industry, where AI-generated art is becoming more prevalent. For instance, Activision has acknowledged using generative AI tools in developing assets for titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. Considering how Activision is an AAA gam,e which means the studio hires multiple people to do the work, there’s the threat of AI eventually taking over multiple human jobs in the video game space.

Naturally, this admission has elicited mixed reactions from players, with some expressing concerns about the quality and authenticity of AI-created content. On the flip side, the increased usage of video games also gives more light to hand-drawn video games like Cuphead. While AAA studios are turning more toward utilizing AI tools, indie developers primarily want to create things they can pour their hearts and souls into, ultimately increasing their demand by gamers who want something genuine.

Is using AI in video games bad?

The use of AI in art creation raises ethical questions, particularly regarding the potential displacement of human artists and the originality of the generated content. Judy Ehrentraut, a creative content strategist at Red Meat Games, emphasizes the importance of ethically training AI models and maintaining transparency in their use.

Let us take HoYoverse’s English voice actor controversy as an example. ​In March 2025, the gaming community was stirred by reports that two English voice actors for HoYoverse's upcoming title, Zenless Zone Zero, were unexpectedly replaced. Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, and Nicholas Thurkettle, who portrayed Lycaon, stated they were recast without prior notice. This happened when they chose not to work during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which seeks protection against the use of artificial intelligence in voice acting.

Things didn’t stop there, as the controversy intensified when more English voice actors chose to depart from their roles in titles like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero. It’s gotten so bad that multiple cutscenes in the aforementioned games are completely voiceless when played in the English version. 

The situation underscores a broader industry trend where developers are increasingly turning to AI-generated content, sometimes leading to backlash from both creators and audiences. For instance, Genshin Impact faced criticism for allegedly using AI-generated art in a web event, raising questions about the authenticity and quality of such content.

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FAQs

Has FragPunk incorporated AI-generated art into its game assets?

Yes, FragPunk has faced scrutiny for allegedly using AI-generated artwork in its promotional materials and in-game assets. Players have identified anomalies, such as characters with an incorrect number of fingers, suggesting the use of AI in creating these visuals.

How has the community responded to FragPunk's use of AI-generated art?

The community's reaction has been largely negative. Many players have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly concerning the inclusion of AI-generated art in paid items. This discontent is evident in numerous negative reviews on platforms like Steam, where users criticize the practice as lazy and disrespectful to artists.

Has FragPunk addressed the concerns regarding AI-generated art?

As of now, the developers of FragPunk have not publicly responded to the controversy surrounding the use of AI-generated art. This silence has contributed to ongoing debates about transparency and ethics in game development within the community.

References

1. [1] "Fragpunk website". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved March 28, 2025