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Persona and Shin Megami Tensei artist isn’t using generative AI in his next game following backlash to his last 2 deckbuilders
Persona and Shin Megami Tensei artist Shigenori Soejima has confirmed that his upcoming game will not use generative AI, following criticism directed at his two most recent deckbuilder titles. The clarification matters because it signals continued sensitivity within the games industry to the use of AI-generated art, an issue that has repeatedly sparked backlash from fans and artists who view it as undermining human creative work.
Soejima, known for his character designs on the Persona series and other Atlus titles, faced criticism over the use of generative AI in connection with his last two deckbuilding games. In response, he has stated that his next project will not involve generative AI tools, addressing concerns raised by fans and reaffirming a commitment to traditional artistic methods for the new title.
In short
- Persona artist Shigenori Soejima won't use generative AI in his next game
- Move follows backlash over AI use tied to his last two deckbuilders
- Reflects ongoing industry sensitivity around generative AI in game art
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of generative AI as a creative tool contend that it represents a natural evolution of artistic technology, no different in principle from the adoption of digital art or 3D modelling, and that it can democratise game development, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency without necessarily replacing human artists. They argue that when properly integrated, AI tools can augment human creativity and judgment, particularly benefiting smaller studios and independent developers who might otherwise lack resources for ambitious projects.
The case against
Opponents raise legitimate concerns about the ethics of training datasets—which may utilise artists' existing work without consent or compensation—and worry that widespread AI adoption could displace human artists and devalue creative labour. They contend that players and creators have valid reasons to prefer human-created content, that the technology's rapid adoption outpaces adequate ethical frameworks, and that accepting AI-generated art normalises circumventing traditional artistic compensation and undermines professional creatives' livelihoods.
Explained simply
Shigenori Soejima is a Japanese artist best known for designing characters in Atlus role-playing games, including Persona and Shin Megami Tensei. He has also worked on deckbuilding games, a genre in which players build a set of cards to use during play.
Generative AI can create images from written prompts and has become a point of debate in games and other creative fields. Some artists and players are concerned about its effects on human creative work, so its use in a game can prompt criticism from audiences.
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