Heartopia’s Exciting Collaboration Faces Backlash as Players React to AI Disclosure in Steam Version: “Just the Bare Minimum”

The adorable life sim Heartopia is set to become even cuter with an upcoming collaboration featuring My Little Pony, launching on Valentine’s Day, February 14. This crossover event promises delightful puzzles and a new pet costume that’s sweeter than a box of chocolates. However, some players are hoping the developer, XD, can step up their game. It would be great if XD could make a bold statement about moving away from AI-generated content.

Fans have expressed feelings of betrayal after reading the Steam description for Heartopia’s PC port. The whimsical multiplayer experience reportedly incorporates AI-generated content “in the puzzle gameplay to reinterpret and redraw in-game snapshot images,” as well as “in in-game chat to help players understand different languages,” according to XD. While this use of AI may not be as blatant as the fully AI-generated gameplay some other developers are exploring, it still leaves a sour taste for players who otherwise enjoy the game’s charming farm and dress-up mechanics.

One review, which has garnered over 1,000 upvotes, states, “If it weren’t for the fact that they were releasing this game on Steam, they would have never disclosed the fact that they used genAI in the game. Even if you ignore the use of genAI (whether you’re pro-genAI or simply indifferent), this PC port is the bare minimum.”

Another review, with 93 upvotes, echoes this sentiment: “Undisclosed gen AI usage strikes again. It’s a shame because it’s such a cute game, but… I’m just glad I hadn’t reached a point where I’d want to spend on it yet because geez.”

Despite the concerns, many Heartopia players are still enchanted by the game’s unique multiplayer features. The My Little Pony event will see the “Tree of Harmony from My Little Pony appearing on Whale Island, needing to be reawakened by Heartopia players via the Elements of Harmony,” as detailed in a press release. “By working together, players can ensure the tree returns home to the magical kingdom of Equestria.”

Pre-event activities kick off on February 7, allowing players to tackle daily puzzles to unlock an exclusive pet costume inspired by the My Little Pony character Spike, along with Time-Limited Exhibition Passes, according to the press release.