Assassin's Creed Creator Apologizes for AI Images in 1666: Amsterdam
Désilets' apology does not extend to the development process, where he remains positive about using generative AI as an efficiency tool, a stance that has drawn criticism from media and community alike.
Key Facts
- Patrice Désilets apologized for using generative AI images in the reveal and promotional materials for 1666: Amsterdam.
- Désilets stated in a Eurogamer interview that no AI assets will be in the final product and that their use will be reduced going forward.
- 1666: Amsterdam is scheduled for early access release on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on August 25, 2026.
- The game features dual protagonists: Noah, who wields magic and curses, and Aaron, who is summoned from 1999 and takes the form of a cat.
- The outlet Aftermath criticized the development approach of justifying AI use for convenience while hiring professional artists.
Reporting from 2 sources: GameBusiness.jp, Game Spark.
Patrice Désilets, the creator of the early Assassin's Creed games, has apologized after it was pointed out that generative AI images were used in the reveal and promotional materials for his studio Panache Digital's new game, 1666: Amsterdam. In an interview with Eurogamer, Désilets apologized again following a statement on June 9, saying, "No AI assets will be in the final product" and "We will reduce their use going forward." However, he drew a distinction between AI-generated assets included in the game and using AI tools during development, expressing a positive view of using them as efficiency tools in early development. He said, "With generative AI, you can create 75 variations in three seconds" and added, "We live in a world full of AI. Let's be honest with each other." These remarks have drawn criticism. The outlet Aftermath criticized the development approach of justifying AI use for convenience while hiring professional artists, as well as the lack of awareness regarding concerns about generative AI. On Reddit, critical comments included, "Do they think game development was impossible before AI?" and "If all you think about is cutting corners, neither the creators nor the players can be passionate," with some linking the issue to layoffs in the gaming industry. 1666: Amsterdam is scheduled for early access release on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on August 25, 2026.
The game is an action-adventure set in 17th-century Amsterdam, featuring dual protagonists: Noah, who wields magic and curses, and Aaron, who is summoned from 1999 and takes the form of a cat. Gameplay differs between day and night: during the day, players track down 'Originals' hiding among the populace, and at night, they fight them when they reveal their true nature.
Désilets' remarks have drawn criticism. The outlet Aftermath criticized the development approach of justifying AI use for convenience while hiring professional artists, as well as the lack of awareness regarding concerns about generative AI. On Reddit, critical comments included, 'Do they think game development was impossible before AI?' and 'If all you think about is cutting corners, neither the creators nor the players can be passionate,' with some linking the issue to layoffs in the gaming industry.
Désilets has apologized for the use of generative AI images and stated that AI assets will not be used in the final product. However, he remains positive about using generative AI in the development process, and the community has responded harshly to his comments.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.