The Identity V community has launched a boycott against developer Netease, accusing the company of replacing human artists with generative AI for promotional content. Players are outraged by what they see as a cost-cutting move that disrespects the game's creative fanbase, especially given Netease's high-priced cosmetics.
In a livestream, content creator Stork rallied viewers to stop playing, stop purchasing in-game items, and uninstall Identity V starting April 23rd. The boycott also encourages fans to email Netease at gameidentityv@global.netease.com and voice concerns on official Discord servers. Stork emphasized that artists are crucial to the game and urged players to support them directly instead.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between generative AI adoption and artist communities in the gaming industry.