How The Roottrees are Dead ditched AI and became a hit
Briefly

'The Roottrees are Dead,' a popular puzzle game, emerged from AI-generated art but relied on human artistry for its success. Creator Jeremy Johnston used generative AI tools during a limited timeframe in a game jam to develop visuals. Robin Ward recognized its potential and approached Johnston, revealing the importance of ethical considerations concerning AI artwork. Despite imperfections in the AI-generated art, which included eerie portraits, the game's thoughtful constructs and expansion post-launch proved pivotal in transitioning it to a hit title on platforms beyond itch.io.
One of this year's hit puzzle games wouldn't have existed without AI - but it wouldn't have become a hit without a human to replace it.
Ward calls the warped image of a girl 'demonic.' However, the AI's imperfections lead to a unique charm, providing an intriguing contrast to the human art.
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