Kingdom Hearts fans slam new game art as AI-generated - Polygon.com

Following the announcement of the Kingdom Hearts Collection, fans identified several irregularities in the official box art that mirror common errors produced by generative AI models. The backlash highlights growing player sensitivity toward the use of synthetic media in the gaming industry.

What happened

After Square Enix revealed the artwork, eagle-eyed fans began identifying numerous illustrative flaws that suggested the use of AI tools. Notable discrepancies included Donald Duck appearing with four fingers on one hand and five on the other, chains arranged in impossible configurations, and a clock tower featuring drooping hands. Additionally, observers pointed out that the soles of Sora’s iconic shoes lacked expected details and that a building in the background appeared to be melting. These physical impossibilities and visual inconsistencies are characteristic of generative AI outputs.

This incident occurs within a broader context of shifting corporate policies at Square Enix. In 2024, company president Takashi Kiryu initially expressed an intent to be aggressive in applying AI, though he later stated the technology would be restricted to non-creative areas. Despite these assurances, the company has continued to pursue AI integration, including a recent partnership to utilize AI for 70% of its quality assurance testing by 2027. Polygon reached out to Square Enix for clarification regarding the origin of the Kingdom Hearts Collection artwork, but the company did not provide a response. While the errors could potentially be attributed to rushed production, the community's reaction reflects a heightened state of alert among gamers frustrated by the increasing presence of AI in their favorite franchises.