Following generative AI controversy, Crazy Taxi: World Tour lead clarifies how the tech is being used
Crazy Taxi: World Tour generated immediate controversy following its reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase when the game’s Steam page disclosed the use of generative AI in development. The disclosure prompted questions from the community about how the technology was being implemented.
Sega initially provided minimal detail, clarifying only that AI was not used to replace actors’ performances. The publisher subsequently elaborated to Game Informer, explaining that AI was employed “during the development of background assets.” At Summer Game Fest, series creator Kenji Kanno offered additional context about the technology’s integration, with lead staff stating that “everything is made by an actual human.”
The situation reflects broader industry discussion about generative AI’s appropriate role in game development. While Sega’s eventual clarifications suggested the AI was supplementary rather than replacing core creative work, the initial vague disclosure highlighted ongoing questions about transparency and disclosure practices for AI use in AAA game production. The incident underscores developer and publisher struggles to communicate clearly about AI implementation to audiences increasingly concerned with how the technology is deployed.