Hotel Barcelona made its debut last week, but the reception has been less than stellar. With a Metacritic score of 58, derived from 15 reviews, and a 55% positive rating on Steam, the game has firmly settled into the ‘mixed’ category. This outcome is a far cry from what many had anticipated from the creative minds of Goichi ‘Suda51’ Suda and Hidetaka ‘Swery’ Suehiro. While the game has not been labeled a complete failure, it appears to have fallen short of the expectations set by its developers and their dedicated fanbase.
Mixed Reactions and AI Controversy
Fans were initially thrilled about the release of Hotel Barcelona, a vibrant and maximalist action roguelike that promised a unique gaming experience. However, disappointment soon followed, particularly after the game’s Steam page introduced a generative AI disclosure just five days post-launch. Critics have raised concerns regarding the ethical implications of using generative AI, especially as many large language models (LLMs) are trained on existing artworks without regard for copyright, potentially undermining the job prospects of creative professionals.
The timing of the AI disclosure has only fueled the frustration among players. Comments on platforms like Resetera reflect this sentiment, with one user expressing, “I also find this disappointing creatively.” Another chimed in, stating, “Not disclosing this before release is a real problem.” A quick check on the Wayback Machine reveals that the generative AI notice was absent from the Steam page as recently as September 30, raising questions about the transparency of the developers.
In a small twist of fate, the disclosure mentions that the AI features will be removed in an upcoming patch, paving the way for non-AI-generated content. This announcement comes on the heels of a similar situation with The Alters, where AI-generated background text was discovered post-launch, leading to an admission from developer 11 bit studios that it was intended as a placeholder. They emphasized their commitment to transparency in their development processes, stating, “As AI tools evolve, they present new challenges and opportunities in game development. We’re actively adapting our internal processes to meet this reality.”
However, the late addition of the AI disclosure for Hotel Barcelona has raised concerns about compliance with Steam’s Terms of Service, as it was not disclosed for the first five days following the game’s release. Players who might have opted out of purchasing the game due to the AI content may now find themselves beyond the refund window. The potential repercussions of this situation remain uncertain, leaving both players and developers in a state of anticipation.
For those interested in discussing the latest developments in gaming, you can join our community Discord server, where readers and staff engage in vibrant conversations about the industry.
One of Steam’s most highly anticipated roguelikes adds generative AI disclosure five days after release, and fans aren’t happy
Hotel Barcelona made its debut last week, but the reception has been less than stellar. With a Metacritic score of 58, derived from 15 reviews, and a 55% positive rating on Steam, the game has firmly settled into the ‘mixed’ category. This outcome is a far cry from what many had anticipated from the creative minds of Goichi ‘Suda51’ Suda and Hidetaka ‘Swery’ Suehiro. While the game has not been labeled a complete failure, it appears to have fallen short of the expectations set by its developers and their dedicated fanbase.
Mixed Reactions and AI Controversy
Fans were initially thrilled about the release of Hotel Barcelona, a vibrant and maximalist action roguelike that promised a unique gaming experience. However, disappointment soon followed, particularly after the game’s Steam page introduced a generative AI disclosure just five days post-launch. Critics have raised concerns regarding the ethical implications of using generative AI, especially as many large language models (LLMs) are trained on existing artworks without regard for copyright, potentially undermining the job prospects of creative professionals.
The timing of the AI disclosure has only fueled the frustration among players. Comments on platforms like Resetera reflect this sentiment, with one user expressing, “I also find this disappointing creatively.” Another chimed in, stating, “Not disclosing this before release is a real problem.” A quick check on the Wayback Machine reveals that the generative AI notice was absent from the Steam page as recently as September 30, raising questions about the transparency of the developers.
In a small twist of fate, the disclosure mentions that the AI features will be removed in an upcoming patch, paving the way for non-AI-generated content. This announcement comes on the heels of a similar situation with The Alters, where AI-generated background text was discovered post-launch, leading to an admission from developer 11 bit studios that it was intended as a placeholder. They emphasized their commitment to transparency in their development processes, stating, “As AI tools evolve, they present new challenges and opportunities in game development. We’re actively adapting our internal processes to meet this reality.”
However, the late addition of the AI disclosure for Hotel Barcelona has raised concerns about compliance with Steam’s Terms of Service, as it was not disclosed for the first five days following the game’s release. Players who might have opted out of purchasing the game due to the AI content may now find themselves beyond the refund window. The potential repercussions of this situation remain uncertain, leaving both players and developers in a state of anticipation.
For those interested in discussing the latest developments in gaming, you can join our community Discord server, where readers and staff engage in vibrant conversations about the industry.