Imagine discovering that a major gaming platform used AI to create a promotional banner, only to claim it was accidentally shared. That’s exactly what happened with GOG, the beloved digital PC gaming storefront, and it’s sparked a heated debate. Last week, gamers were abuzz after noticing a banner ad for a big sales event that looked suspiciously AI-generated. The controversy ignited when a GOG employee seemingly confirmed the use of AI tools, but the company initially remained tight-lipped about the details. But here’s where it gets controversial: GOG later revealed to its paying supporters in a private Discord server that the banner was indeed created with AI—but it was a work-in-progress mistakenly displayed publicly.
On February 2, Kotaku obtained a screenshot of a message posted in GOG’s official Patron Discord server, where a GOG employee, Arthur Slay (likely Arthur Dejardin, a marketing team member), addressed the situation. The Patron program, which costs $5 monthly, allows fans to engage with the community, influence the store’s future, and contribute to preserving old games. In the message, Arthur admitted the banner was made “with the help of AI tools” but stressed it was never intended for public release. And this is the part most people miss: GOG’s use of AI wasn’t a sudden decision but part of their ongoing experimentation with new technologies to maximize their small team’s efficiency.
Arthur explained, ‘This shouldn’t have happened. We failed on two fronts: quality control and our slow response to the error.’ He acknowledged the disappointment among fans, calling AI use ‘a sensitive topic,’ but defended their approach. ‘We don’t have the resources of industry giants,’ Arthur wrote. ‘We’re a small, dedicated team working tirelessly to preserve games and make them DRM-free. AI tools help us do more with less.’
GOG’s public response on January 30 was brief, stating they couldn’t comment on internal processes. However, the Discord message provided a rare glimpse into their strategy. Arthur emphasized that not all experiments succeed, but they’re necessary to stay competitive. Here’s the bold question: Is GOG’s use of AI a necessary innovation or a step too far for a platform known for its authenticity?
The full Discord message reads:
‘Hi everyone, I’d like to address the case of our recent New Year Sale banner. First, the asset was a work-in-progress mistakenly displayed. This shouldn’t have happened—we failed in quality control and response time. Second, the banner was made with AI tools. We hear your disappointment and understand it’s a sensitive issue. We’re a small team with limited resources, and AI helps us achieve more. We’ve always tested new technologies, some successful, others not. Lastly, regarding a team member leaving the Discord, it was a personal decision for their well-being, which we respect. Thank you, everyone, Arthur.’
This incident raises broader questions about AI’s role in creative industries. Is AI a tool for efficiency or a threat to artistic integrity? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
