Fans of the esteemed studio Level-5, known for the Professor Layton series, Dark Cloud, and Ni no Kuni, have voiced significant concerns following the company's latest "LEVEL5 VISION 2026 II: Dreams" presentation. Many are worried that the developer is increasingly relying on artificial intelligence, a phenomenon they've dubbed "AI slop," with the remake of Professor Layton and the Curious Village bearing the brunt of this scrutiny.
The presentation, which followed the delayed reveal of Professor Layton And The New World of Steam during a Nintendo Direct, also featured the first full-length trailer for DecaPolice and the aforementioned remake. However, instead of universal acclaim, the showcase drew sharp criticism from the fanbase.
Allegations of AI use extend across multiple titles presented. Fans pointed to what they perceive as telltale signs of AI implementation in the background art and character models of Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain, citing a "sudden face transplant" for the main character and issues with background art. Similarly, Inazuma Eleven: Bold Revolution faces criticism for stiff character movements attributed to excessive AI use. The Professor Layton and the Curious Village remake is specifically accused of featuring "inconsistent" AI-generated backgrounds.
DecaPolice is also under suspicion, with fans suggesting AI has been used for all the previously mentioned aspects and more. Visual issues, such as characters shifting positions inconsistently or lighting problems, were highlighted as potential indicators of AI-driven development in gameplay footage.
While the use of AI has not been officially confirmed by Level-5 for these titles, the fanbase's heightened awareness stems from prior statements by the studio's CEO and president, Akihiro Hino. Last year, Hino remarked that "around 80~90% of games are made by AI" and that AI technology was significantly impacting programming, art, music, and game design. He suggested it was becoming standard practice in the creative world to leverage AI for efficiency.
Furthermore, Level-5 admitted in 2023 to using ChatGPT for character designs and background artwork in Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. This history, coupled with the perceived visual anomalies in the recent presentation, has fueled fan anxieties about the studio's creative direction and the potential impact on the signature art style of beloved franchises like Professor Layton, which traditionally relies on distinct hand-drawn aesthetics.