Owlcat Games uses genAI as iteration tool while pledging 100% human-made final assets
Summary
Owlcat Games confirms use of generative AI in development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
AI is limited to internal prototyping, placeholders, and technical iteration - not final assets
Studio faces ongoing industry scrutiny amid a broader developer backlash against genAI adoption
"Everything that will be in the final version will definitely 100 percent be human-made."
01
How Owlcat is using genAI - scope and boundaries
GenAI is used for prototyping, placeholders, and technical exploration during pre-production
Specific use cases include visualizing 2D images in 3D space and testing color direction
The studio explicitly rules out AI-generated writing, voice acting, or final in-game assets
All placeholder content will be replaced with human-made work before ship
"We use it basically for trying out things on a technical level... it's basically for being able to iterate faster."
02
Prior controversy - a pattern of scrutiny since 2023
In 2024, Owlcat posted a job listing requiring concept generation "using AI and other modern tools"
The listing went viral after an artist flagged it on social media, prompting a public response
Owlcat clarified at the time that AI was for "creative search, inspiration, or vision coordination" - not final art
The studio confirmed genAI was not used in Rogue Trader or either Pathfinder title
"AI will be used exclusively for additional work with concepts and speeding up some internal processes."
03
Industry context - genAI tension across the sector
Pearl Abyss (Crimson Desert) recently apologized for undisclosed genAI use after placeholder assets appeared in the final product
Capcom told investors it plans to leverage genAI to "improve efficiency and productivity" - also ruling out in-game asset generation
Developer sentiment toward genAI remains broadly negative, with many citing its corrosive effect on the industry
Player backlash is growing, with some stating they "don't want to play" games developed using generative AI tools
04
Outlook - high stakes for The Expanse IP
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn carries significant IP weight as an adaptation of a critically acclaimed sci-fi franchise
Community trust is fragile given prior AI controversy - any final-product AI traces would likely trigger strong backlash
Owlcat's credibility rests on delivering on its 100% human-made asset commitment at launch
The studio's approach - AI for speed, humans for output - may become a reference model as more developers navigate similar tradeoffs
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