Crimson Desert’s AI Art Controversy: A Closer Look at the Debate

The highly anticipated action-adventure game Crimson Desert has been making waves since its release on March 20, 2026. While players have been enjoying the game’s sprawling world and intricate details, some have raised concerns about the game’s use of AI-generated art.

At the center of the controversy are several in-game paintings that players believe may have been created using artificial intelligence. One such painting, shared by Lex Luddy on Bluesky, depicts a historical battle scene that appears to have been sloppily rendered. The painting features centaurs and other mythical creatures holding spears, while the people on the ground next to them seem to morph into rocks. The artwork is displayed in an ornate gold frame, which only adds to the irony of the situation.

Players Weigh in on the Debate

Players have been sharing their thoughts on the matter, with some believing that the paintings are indeed AI-generated, while others disagree. Reddit user Ok-Error-403 shared a woodcut painting that they suspected was created by AI, stating,