Generative AI in video games has become the hottest—and most divisive—topic as 2025 winds down. Ironically, the four best-selling paid games on Steam right now are all embroiled in AI accusations: Arc Raiders, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Battlefield 6, and Baldur's Gate 3. Talk about a plot twist! 🎮💥 Despite players raging online and awards being revoked, these titles keep dominating sales charts. It's a classic case of 'any publicity is good publicity,' proving gamers can't resist top-tier content even when studios flirt with controversial tech. The real tea? This drama started when Larian's boss casually mentioned using AI for Divinity's brainstorming—unaware it would snowball into a full-blown industry firestorm.

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🔥 The Accused Quartet: AI Drama Unpacked

Let's spill the deets on why these games are trending for all the messy reasons:

  1. Arc Raiders: NPCs got AI-generated voice lines. Devs were transparent, but fans still side-eyed it hard. Yet sales? Absolutely slaying.

  2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Oopsie alert! Sandfall admitted using AI placeholders (since replaced), costing them a GOTY award last week. The COO's old interview about AI usage resurfaced, making it ground zero for cancel culture.

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  1. Battlefield 6: Players called out 'sus' AI-generated art assets last weekend. EA stayed mum, but the controversy just fueled its Steam ranking.

  2. Baldur's Gate 3: The innocent bystander? Not exactly. Larian’s confession about using AI for Divinity’s planning ignited this whole mess, though BG3 itself avoided direct accusations.

🤯 The Irony Alert

Here’s the kicker: AI isn’t boosting sales—but it’s not killing them either. All four games thrive despite:

  • Backlash from purists

  • Awards being revoked (RIP, Expedition 33’s trophy 🏆)

  • Deep-dive investigations exposing old AI admissions

As one industry insider put it: 'Gamers will cancel you on Twitter while buying your game in the same breath.' The cognitive dissonance is real!

🌐 The Bigger Picture: AI in Gaming is Here to Stay

Let’s keep it 100: This controversy won’t vanish. Why? Because:

  • Studios save time/cash using AI for brainstorming or placeholders

  • Consumers vote with wallets—and they’re clearly voting 'yes'

  • Transparency is key, but labels like 'AI-Assisted' remain rare

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⚖️ The Ultimate Dilemma

Where do we draw the line? Purists argue AI = 'soulless art,' while pragmatists see it as a tool. The solution? Three steps:


1. Studios MUST disclose AI usage upfront

2. Storefronts (looking at you, Steam!) should enforce 'AI Labels'

3. Gamers need to decide: Is boycott-worthy or just meh? 🤷‍♂️

2025’s lesson? Generative AI is gaming’s new nuclear button—handle with care, but expect fallout when pressed. And honey? These record-breaking sales prove the explosion might just be fireworks. 🎇