Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games used generative AI tools for early iteration during the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis [1, 2, 3].
The disclosure highlights the tension between the gaming industry's push for efficiency and the creative community's concerns regarding the displacement of human artists.
Company representatives confirmed the use of AI tools in 2024 through disclosures on the game's Steam store page and in interviews with tech outlets [1, 4]. According to the developers, these tools were employed to speed up early concept iteration [1, 3]. However, the company maintains a strict boundary between early brainstorming and the final product.
"All finished content in the final product is human‑crafted," a Crystal Dynamics spokesperson said [3].
Other members of the development team noted that while AI tools were present during the process, the final game would be fully human-crafted [5]. There is some variation in how the company described the transition from AI concepts to final assets. Some reports indicate that AI-generated assets were replaced before the final release [2], while others state those assets were either replaced or refined by humans [4].
Jeff Gattis, a general manager at Amazon Games, expressed a positive outlook on the integration of these technologies into the production pipeline.
"We’re bullish on AI," Gattis said [1].
The use of generative AI in high-budget titles remains a point of contention for players and industry professionals. By specifying that the tools were used only for early iteration, the developers aim to reassure the public that the artistic integrity of the final environment, and characters, remains a human achievement [1, 3, 5].
“"All finished content in the final product is human‑crafted."”
This case illustrates a growing industry trend where studios use generative AI as a 'digital sketchpad' to reduce the time spent on mood boards and concept art. By insisting that final assets are human-crafted, Amazon and Crystal Dynamics are attempting to leverage AI's speed while avoiding the backlash associated with AI-generated final art, which often triggers concerns over copyright and labor devaluation.
