Activision has received backlash from most of its users following the use of AI-generated art to announce the launch of its Guitar Hero Mobile game. Users were shocked when it was discovered the much-anticipated announcement was made with art created using AI, spoiling the fun for the fans.
The company debuted the game in 2005, allowing players to enjoy its functionality by passing through the guitar strings by hitting the keys at the right moment. This way, players will complete a song before they can pass on to the next stage. The game became popular after its initial release, seeing sequels and expansions twenty years down the line.
The franchise is now back with a new title years after the last Guitar Hero Live was released in 2015. However, many users were taken aback after Activision made the announcement using an AI-generated cover art. According to the users, the poster had the wrong colors of note tracks and “multiple colors on the same track.” A user also commented that it “shows how much effort went into this when you can’t even get your own game right.”
Activision fans expect less from Guitar Hero developers
One user mentioned that Activision already ruined the game with its AI slop, with many others mentioning that they won’t purchase it when it eventually gets released. This is not the first criticism Activision has gotten for using AI, with the company criticized for using AI to generate the art cover of its Call of Duty game. The company has also openly admitted using AGI in the game, putting a disclaimer on Steam.
Despite the AI criticism, many users were nostalgic at the announcement. Guitar Hero Mobile games were previously released for Blackberry mobile devices. The Guitar Hero 3 Mobile gained the most popularity in 2007 by exceeding 2.5 million downloads. Guitar Hero Live received a mixed reception from players due to its average soundtrack and lack of multiplayer functionality.