Ubisoft Responds to AI Artwork Concerns in Anno 117: Pax Romana

After launch, players noticed unusual details in several loading screens in Anno 117 : Pax Romana. Faces appeared distorted, proportions looked off, and brush patterns lacked the coherent style the series is known for. These irregularities led to quick speculation across Reddit and gaming forums that the images came from AI-based tools. The discussion escalated fast because the franchise traditionally relies on meticulous hand-crafted visuals, and any deviation becomes immediately noticeable to long-time fans.

Ubisoft Confirms a Mistake and Explains Its Workflow

Ubisoft acknowledged the issue and confirmed that one of the loading screens originated from an AI-generated placeholder. The studio stated that AI assists only in early concept exploration, while final assets are normally repainted and refined by artists. In this case, the placeholder passed review unintentionally and shipped with the game. Ubisoft assured players that this was not intentional and clarified that the team remains committed to human-created visual identity. The studio said the controversial artwork will be replaced in the next update and that internal checks will be tightened to prevent similar oversights.

Community Reaction and Broader Trust Issues

The explanation calmed some players, but many still questioned the consistency of the game’s art pipeline. Several users examined additional images and claimed they spotted traces of AI influence, even after Ubisoft shared its statement. This reaction reveals a deeper trust issue: when players suspect AI involvement, every asset comes under scrutiny. For a visually rich series like Anno, anything that appears automated can undermine confidence in the overall craft. Fans worry that even limited AI usage risks diluting the artistic personality that defines the franchise.

What Ubisoft Plans Next and Why It Matters

Ubisoft plans to correct the artwork in Update 1.3, replacing the AI-generated placeholder with a fully hand-crafted version. The studio hopes this change, along with a more transparent workflow, will restore player trust. The situation also highlights a growing tension across the industry as more developers experiment with AI tools. Games that rely heavily on artistic identity must balance efficiency and authenticity, and Anno 117 now stands as an example of how even a single overlooked asset can spark a larger debate. If the updated artwork meets expectations, the controversy may settle. If not, players will continue to question how AI fits into modern game production.