The charming life simulation title Heartopia is set to reach new heights of adorability with an upcoming My Little Pony crossover launching this Valentine’s Day, February 14. While the collaboration promises a series of sweet puzzles and exclusive pet attire, the festive mood has been dampened for some. A growing segment of the player base is calling for developer XD to reconsider its reliance on generative AI, wishing the studio would distance itself from the controversial technology.
The recent Steam release of Heartopia has sparked a wave of disappointment among fans. In the PC port’s description, XD disclosed that the game utilizes AI-generated content to “reinterpret and redraw in-game snapshot images” during puzzle sequences and employs AI in the chat system to facilitate real-time translation between players. While these applications are less pervasive than the fully AI-driven gameplay experiments seen elsewhere in the industry, the admission has left a sour taste for those who previously viewed the game as a handcrafted, cozy escape.
“If this game hadn’t launched on Steam, the use of generative AI likely would have remained hidden,” noted one highly upvoted user review. The critique, which has garnered significant support from the community, argues that even setting the AI concerns aside, the PC port feels like a “bare minimum” effort. Another dissatisfied player echoed this sentiment, expressing relief that they hadn’t spent money on the title before the AI usage came to light, describing the situation as a recurring issue in the industry.
Despite the backlash, many players remain captivated by the game’s unique multiplayer features. To maintain that momentum, the My Little Pony event will introduce the Tree of Harmony to Whale Island. According to a press release, players must collaborate to reawaken the tree using the Elements of Harmony, eventually helping it return to the magical realm of Equestria.
Festivities are scheduled to begin on February 7, offering daily puzzles that grant access to limited-time Exhibition Passes and a special pet costume inspired by the character Spike. Whether the magic of friendship can overcome the community’s concerns regarding AI remains to be seen.
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Source: gamesradar.com
