Canadian developer Panache Digital, co-founded by Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Désilets, has confirmed that it continues to utilize AI tools in the development of its upcoming action game, 1666: Amsterdam. This statement follows earlier controversy surrounding the game's playable prologue, where signs of generative AI usage were detected in in-game paintings and promotional materials. Panache Digital had previously issued an apology and pledged that AI would not feature in the final release.
During a recent preview event in Amsterdam, Patrice Désilets addressed the AI issue, clarifying that while certain assets were not sufficiently retouched in the past, measures are now in place to ensure "not be any use of AI anywhere in the game" for the final product. He explained that AI offers a rapid way to generate numerous variations of an asset, a capability difficult to match with human illustrators in a short timeframe. "We live in a world full of AI - let's be honest between ourselves," Désilets remarked, acknowledging that the team, being small, incorporated these tools without fully realizing their origin due to familiarity. He expressed regret for the oversight, stating, "I'm really sorry about that," but reiterated that such instances "would not be the case any more."
Désilets confirmed that AI tools are still being used, but with decreasing frequency. "And now we're using less and less because we don't need them, because it's not about 'okay, I need something quick'," he stated. He also touched upon the broader societal discussion surrounding AI, noting its pervasiveness, even in everyday tasks like using search engines, while humorously opting not to delve deeper into the topic with journalists present.
Panache Digital, a studio of approximately 70 individuals, has been developing 1666: Amsterdam since 2020. The game's premise was revised during Covid lockdowns, shifting focus from a devil's apprentice to a witch. The project has been primarily funded by an undisclosed entity, with rumors pointing to Xbox. The game centers on a witch named Noa in 1666 Amsterdam, whose story intersects with that of Aaron in 1999 and his descendant Clio in the present day. Their timelines intertwine to narrate the exploits of a Collector tasked with gathering the souls of powerful individuals known as Originals.
1666: Amsterdam is slated for release in PC early access on August 25, priced at $30, and will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.