Developers Defend Their Award-Nominated Multiplayer Game Against AI Claims: “We’re Proudly Handmade, Not AI-Generated”

The rise of generative AI has sparked a wave of skepticism in the gaming community, with some projects facing accusations of relying on machine-generated content. One notable example is the multiplayer hit Peak, which recently missed out on the Best Multiplayer Game award. However, the developers have been quick to deny any involvement of AI in their creation process.

A Twitter trend claiming “The World’s first 100% AI Created Game” has put Peak in the crosshairs of criticism. In response, co-publisher Aggro Crab took to social media to clarify the situation and dispel any misconceptions about the game’s origins.

“We might be slop, but we’re human-made locally-sourced artisanal slop motherfucker,” the company stated, highlighting Peak’s role in the “friendslop” movement, which celebrates fun and quirky co-op experiences. The key takeaway is that, regardless of opinions on the game, it was crafted by human hands that know how to deliver a solid comeback.

The original tweet has since been updated to emphasize that Peak has no ties to AI. Some high-profile titles have faced scrutiny for what appears to be AI-generated art or other elements, with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 being one of them. Meanwhile, reports suggest that EA is exploring AI technology across various projects, including for the cover of NHL 26.

However, many developers are firmly against using AI tools, even for minor tasks, and Aggro Crab, Landfall, and Team Peak seem to be among that group. And rightly so, as taking a stand against AI is definitely a peak (pun intended) stance.

The Peak developers have acknowledged committing a “cardinal sin of game development,” but they explain that their viral co-op climbing game was initially intended as a game jam project.