Pearl Abyss apologized for including undisclosed AI-generated art in Crimson Desert. Former Blizzard co-president Mike Ybarra publicly urged the studio not to apologize, arguing AI is inevitable in games. His comments drew backlash from fans.
Pearl Abyss, developer of the open-world game Crimson Desert, issued an apology over the weekend for shipping the title with AI-generated art without disclosing it to players. The statement followed player backlash over the use of generative AI in the blockbuster release. Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra responded directly to the studio's social media account on X, questioning the need for an apology. “Why apologize?” Ybarra wrote on March 22, 2026. “AI, in one form or another, will be in every single video game. I don’t get why devs feel the need to bend over for the few folks who can’t accept the reality that AI will be in every single thing – from video games to your fridge (it already is). Man up.” Ybarra, who joined Blizzard in 2019 after nearly 20 years at Microsoft and Xbox, became co-president in 2021 during the studio's workplace issues. Microsoft parted ways with him after acquiring Activision Blizzard in 2023. He now leads PrizePicks, a sports betting startup. When a fan replied, “I’m so glad you’re not ruining Blizzard anymore,” Ybarra shot back, “Hope you enjoy co-pilot in WoW.” Mainstream gaming companies have largely avoided such direct defenses of AI usage, even as speculation grows about its behind-the-scenes role in development. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently dismissed online criticism of DLSS 5's AI features during a live event.
