As anticipation builds for FromSoftware's unreleased Switch 2 exclusive, codenamed 'The Duskbloods,' a peculiar issue has emerged: Google's AI search is beginning to present elaborate fan-made lore and character details from the game's subreddit as factual information. The game's first closed network test is slated for next month, yet the AI appears to be drawing from extensive jokes and elaborate shitposts on r/TheDuskbloods.
This phenomenon, highlighted by Ian Walker of Video Game Town, showcases how dedicated fan communities, fueled by a lack of official information, can inadvertently mislead AI systems. Users on the subreddit have crafted detailed narratives around fictional characters and bosses, such as 'Bugout Billy,' described as an unlockable character obtained by defeating the 'Duskbug Brigade' boss in the 'Underdusk' zone. Other fabricated entities include 'Blood Mistress Elizabeth,' a supposed "fanservice boss," and 'Lycan Vrykolakas,' humorously dubbed "Blaidd 2."
User-created content, like a ranked list of bosses, is so detailed that it can easily fool a casual reader. While Google's AI has demonstrated an ability to sometimes recognize the fabricated nature of these posts, its responses can be inconsistent. In some instances, when prompted differently, the AI has confidently stated that characters like Lycan Vrykolakas are indeed fightable entities in the unreleased game. Further testing revealed that even when an AI response acknowledges its source as a Reddit post and identifies a nickname as informal, it can still provide a detailed explanation of a fictional character's features and abilities, presenting non-existent leaks as fact.
This is not an isolated incident. Reports from two months prior indicated that Google AI had already incorporated other made-up bosses like 'Sanguiphisto,' described as an "undisputed S+ tier challenge," and 'Orlac,' into its knowledge base. The practice of Reddit users generating fictional content for 'The Duskbloods' has been ongoing for months, demonstrating a long-standing trend of fans filling the information vacuum with their own creations. While this particular instance might seem like harmless fun, it raises broader concerns about the reliability of AI-generated information, especially as AI systems are increasingly used to synthesize data from various online sources, including community forums and social media.