Crimson Desert Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Assets, Stock Plummets

Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the recently launched open-world action RPG Crimson Desert, is conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets after admitting the use of AI-generated images in the final release was not properly disclosed. The revelation came after players quickly identified artwork within the game that appeared to be created using artificial intelligence.

The use of generative AI art put Pearl Abyss in violation of Steam’s AI Content policy, which requires developers to disclose the use of AI-generated content on the game’s store page. A disclaimer was added to Crimson Desert’s Steam store page on March 20, 2026, stating:

Generative AI technology is used in a supplementary capacity during the creation of some 2D prop assets. Any such assets are replaced through our production pipeline by our art and development teams, ensuring they meet our quality standards and creative direction.

Pearl Abyss stated the AI-generated assets “were unintentionally included in the final release” and acknowledged the lack of disclosure. “We sincerely apologize for these oversights,” the company added in a statement. The developer is now working to replace the affected content through patches.

Pearl Abyss’ Full Statement

Here is Pearl Abyss’ statement in full:

We would like to address questions regarding the use of AI in Crimson Desert. During development, some 2D visual props were created as part of early-stage iteration using experimental AI generative tools. These assets helped us rapidly explore tone and atmosphere in the earlier phases of production. Still, our intention has always been for any such assets to be replaced, following final work and review by our art and development teams, with work that aligned with our quality standards and creative direction.

Following reports from our community, we have identified that some of these assets were unintentionally included in the final release. This is not in line with our internal standards, and we take full responsibility for it.

We also acknowledge that we should have clearly disclosed our use of AI. While these tools were primarily used during early production, with the expectation that these assets would be replaced prior to release, we recognize that this does not excuse the lack of transparency.

We sincerely apologize for these oversights.

We are currently conducting a comprehensive audit of all in-game assets and are taking steps to replace any affected content. Updated assets will be rolled out in upcoming patches. In parallel, we are reviewing and strengthening our internal processes to ensure greater transparency and consistency in how we communicate with players moving forward.

This is the second post-launch statement Pearl Abyss has released. The company previously announced a patch to address complaints about the game’s controls and apologized to keyboard and mouse players. Crimson Desert sold 2 million copies in its first day, but has received a “mixed” user review rating on Steam, with many players criticizing the game’s clunky controls and reporting performance issues, including blurry visuals on PS5, and PC.

The controversy surrounding Crimson Desert has already impacted Pearl Abyss financially. The company’s stock price plunged nearly 30% following initial reviews, and fell a further 9.78% on March 20, 2026, according to reports from the Korean business press. Development of Crimson Desert reportedly took seven years and cost 200 billion won (approximately $133 million).

Pearl Abyss will likely prioritize addressing these issues to improve the game’s Steam review rating and stabilize its stock price.