A Shocking Twist in Game Marketing

In a surprising turn of events, Nexon, the developer and publisher behind The First Descendant, is facing criticism over a series of controversial TikTok advertisements that have left players baffled. Accusations suggest that some of these bizarre AI-generated ads might be imitating real content creators without their permission.

The Reddit Discovery

The uproar began when a Reddit user, known as u/iHardlyTriHard, spent just 15 minutes scrolling through their For You Page and stumbled upon not one, but four AI ads for the game. Alongside these, they noted two more which appeared to be hastily put together without AI assistance.

Consent in Question

The core of the concern lies in the fact that one of the ads reportedly uses the likeness of popular creator DanieltheDemon. The controversy deepens as many are questioning whether this impersonation was done with his consent, casting a shadow over Nexon’s ethical practices.

Players Voice Their Frustration

Players are not holding back in their critiques. One concerned gamer expressed that seeing these ads could lead to perceptions that the game is either fake or part of a scam. "If I encountered these ads before even trying the game, I'd be hesitant—thinking it was a virus or phishing attempt,” they remarked.

Deleting the Dissent?

Adding fuel to the fire, numerous players allege that the TikTok team behind The First Descendant is actively deleting critical comments regarding the ads. Reports indicate they’ve even resorted to re-uploading the AI-generated content whenever the backlash grows too strong.

Awaiting Nexon's Response

As this saga unfolds, Nexon has remained silent, providing no official response to the mounting concerns from the gaming community. Eurogamer has reached out for commentary and will keep an eye on any developments.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in AI Marketing

This situation raises critical questions about the intersection of AI technology and ethical marketing practices. As the gaming world continues to evolve, will companies prioritize user trust over experimental advertising tactics? Only time will tell.