1666: Amsterdam's developer says it 'won't be using AI anymore', and the tech was only used 'in conception and pre-production'—arguably the most creative phase of the entire process

Assassin's Creed co-creator Patrice Désilets announced that his studio, Panache Digital Games, will no longer use AI in the development of their upcoming game, 1666: Amsterdam. The decision came after players noticed AI-generated assets in the game's prologue. Désilets confirmed that the AI was primarily used during the initial stages of the project, specifically in conception and pre-production, before being removed.

The studio has since decoupled AI from its pipeline and will not employ AI in future projects. Désilets expressed relief at removing AI from 1666: Amsterdam, which he views as the most creative and imaginative part of the development process. However, he acknowledged that the use of AI during concepting may raise questions about whether a game can truly be AI-free if the technology helped to conceive its initial ideas.

Despite the mixed reception to the game, which currently sits at a Mixed rating on Steam, players seem divided over its overall experience, with praise for the setting and exploration elements, but criticism for clunky combat and a lack of polish.