The Alters and the AI Translation Controversy: Where Tech Meets Trust in Gaming

Die Alten, a survival game from 11 Bit Studios, has sparked debate for more than its gameplay. Recently, players discovered that some in-game text and translations were generated by AI. As a result, questions about transparency, localization quality, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in gaming have come to the forefront. While this revelation surprised many, it also raises a crucial issue: how did this go unnoticed, and what does it mean for narrative-driven games?

Key Takeaways from The Alters AI Translation News

AI-generated text and translations appeared in The Alters after launch.
Players found leftover AI prompts in English and other languages.
11 Bit Studios confirmed using AI for last-minute translations and placeholder text.
The studio did not disclose AI use on the game’s Steam page, which is required.
Community backlash led to a promise to replace AI-generated content with human translations.
The debate over AI’s place in localization and narrative design continues.

What Happened: AI in The Alters’ Text and Translations

After release, players noticed strange phrases in The Alters. For example, some lines sounded like AI chatbot responses, such as “Sure, here’s a revised version focusing purely on scientific and astronomical data.” These were not jokes or Easter eggs. Instead, they were AI-generated lines left in the game’s logbooks and environmental text. Furthermore, fans in Brazil and France found that some translations had similar AI phrasing, which made dialogue feel awkward or unnatural.

When 11 Bit Studios responded, they explained that AI helped with placeholder text during development and last-minute translations for a few cutscenes. Because the team wanted to avoid delays or releasing content in English only, they used AI. Nevertheless, they admitted these assets should have been replaced before launch. The studio also acknowledged that they should have disclosed this on the Steam page but missed it.

Community Reaction: Trust, Transparency, and the Role of AI

The Alters’ community reacted fast and with mixed opinions. On one hand, some players saw the AI-generated logbook as harmless, even better than generic placeholders. On the other hand, especially in non-English regions, players felt let down by the lack of professional localization and missing disclosure. For many, the main issue was not the use of AI, but rather the lack of clear communication. Since Steam now requires games to declare any AI-generated content, transparency is more important than ever.

Since the controversy, 11 Bit Studios has promised to remove the AI-generated text and replace affected translations with human-reviewed versions. Consequently, this incident has started a wider conversation about AI’s role in narrative games, the importance of quality localization, and the need for transparency when using new technology.

What’s Next for The Alters and AI in Gaming?

The Alters’ AI translation story is a warning for developers and players alike. As AI tools become more common in game development, clear communication and high standards for localization will matter even more. For now, The Alters reminds us that even small details—like a stray chatbot prompt—can shape the story around a game’s launch. Therefore, developers and publishers should prioritize transparency and quality to maintain player trust.