Fortnite Chapter 7 launches with apparent "AI slop," days after Epic CEO Tim Sweeney suggested Steam should bin AI disclosures

Fortnite Chapter 7 launched with a bang this weekend, following a strong Simpsons-themed season with a surprising Tarantino crossover and sci-fi legend Marty McFly. However, the news isn't all good. As you wander Classified Canyon and Battlewood Boulevard in search of one of the new driveable Reboot Vans, you may see in-game adverts that have a whiff of generative AI about them. While Epic hasn't confirmed it used the contentious technology when creating these ads, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney's recent comments about AI disclosures might suggest the company isn't averse to its use.

For those out of the loop, Sweeney recently made headlines by saying that storefronts like Steam should get rid of generative AI disclosures, because "AI will be involved in nearly all future production." A Valve dev even chimed in on X, arguing the case for disclosures and calling gen AI "technology relying on cultural laundering, IP infringement, and slopification."

Perhaps these recent online conversations have made Fortnite players more vigilant, because the eagle-eyed among us have spotted a few telltale signs of what they believe to be gen AI in the latest chapter. While Fortnite is undoubtedly one of the best battle royale games on the market, I worry if the developers lean too hard on the tech, it will lead to a slow but steady enshittification.

The first example is an advert for some jewellery showcased on an in-game billboard. A user on Resetera says this has an "AI smudge look," and others agree. Even more egregious, however, is a poster of a yeti or sasquatch-type creature relaxing in a hammock with just their feet poking out. Look closely, and you'll see that one foot has five toes, and the other has four.

I'm no cryptozoological anthropologist, but surely most creatures have the same number of toes on each foot? Whether this yeti has one extra or one missing (and I'd wager the latter more likely), missing fingers and toes can be indicators of generative AI use, as the technology has always struggled to get them to look right.

It's worth noting that another item, the Marty McFly spray, was also flagged as potential AI, but the artist has since proved that he drew it himself. Epic has not commented on whether or not the adverts used generative AI, but some damage has already been done, with one Reddit thread calling on players to "say 'no' to AI slop. A billion-dollar company should have no problem supporting real artists for real art."

PCGamesN has contacted Epic Games for comment.

Generative AI use in games has become increasingly regular this year, from Steam Next Fest demos to Call of Duty and Arc Raiders. But Fortnite in particular is worrying, seeing as its entire business model is based on selling cosmetics. While gen AI is currently confined to the free parts of the game, if Epic ends up charging players for AI-generated skins, it could have a revolt on its hands.