What's Happening?
Nexon, a gaming company, is facing criticism for its latest advertising campaign for the game 'The First Descendant.' The campaign utilizes AI-generated streamers and digital humans to promote the game, which has sparked backlash from the community. These AI-generated figures mimic real streamers but exhibit unnatural speech and expressions, leading to concerns about authenticity and ethical implications. The ads have been described as 'cringe-inducing' and have raised questions about the use of AI influencers over real creators in game promotion.
Why It's Important?
The controversy highlights the growing debate over the use of AI in marketing and its impact on authenticity. For the gaming industry, relying on AI-generated content could undermine trust and engagement with audiences who value genuine interactions with real creators. This approach may also set a precedent for other companies considering similar strategies, potentially affecting the livelihoods of real-world influencers and streamers. The backlash serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations companies must weigh when integrating AI into their promotional efforts.
What's Next?
Nexon may need to reassess its marketing strategy in response to the community's feedback. The company could face pressure to revert to using real streamers to maintain credibility and audience trust. Additionally, this situation might prompt broader discussions within the industry about the role of AI in marketing and the importance of maintaining authenticity. Stakeholders, including game developers and marketers, may need to establish guidelines for ethical AI use in promotions.
