Square Enix responds to Kingdom Hearts Collection AI controversy two months after players called it out
Square Enix has denied allegations that it used AI-generated content in promotional materials for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts Collection 1-3. The denial comes approximately two months after players first raised concerns in early June, highlighting the company’s delayed response to community scrutiny. A Square Enix representative stated that the assets in question “were created by our development team without the use of generative AI,” attributing the visual issues instead to “human error.” The representative acknowledged being aware of the substantial feedback and discussion regarding the visuals across online communities. Following the controversy, Square Enix has implemented updated assets to remove the irregularities that initially sparked accusations of AI generation. The incident reflects broader concerns within the gaming industry about the use of generative AI in game development and marketing, particularly regarding transparency and disclosure when AI tools are employed in creative work. The Kingdom Hearts franchise remains one of Square Enix’s flagship properties, and such controversies underscore the sensitivity around AI integration in high-profile gaming projects.