Creative Assembly has responded to criticism surrounding Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition after the game was removed from Steam following complaints about its quality and allegations involving generative AI.
The studio's vice president, Roger Collum, acknowledged that the release failed to meet expectations and confirmed that senior developers are now working with SEGA and the external development team to determine the next steps.
Collum also clarified Creative Assembly's position on artificial intelligence, stating that the company does not permit generative AI to create game assets.
Creative Assembly Admits Shogun 2 Complete Edition Failed Quality Standards
Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition was marketed as an improved version of the original strategy game.
However, its release attracted criticism from players who questioned the quality of its improvements and raised concerns about possible AI generated content.
Collum explained that Complete Edition was developed externally rather than by Creative Assembly's internal teams.
He acknowledged that the project did not receive the same level of internal review and quality assurance as the studio's own releases.
Although development was handled by another company, Collum accepted responsibility because the Total War franchise remains associated with Creative Assembly.
The studio has assembled a small group of experienced developers to investigate the situation alongside SEGA and the external developer.
Specific fixes and plans for restoring the game to Steam have not yet been announced.
Creative Assembly Clarifies Its Generative AI Policy
The controversy also prompted Creative Assembly to explain how it uses artificial intelligence during game development.
Collum stated that the studio does not use generative AI to produce game assets, including artwork.
The same restriction applies to external developers working with Creative Assembly.
However, the company permits AI tools for supporting development tasks such as analysis, debugging, and rapid prototyping.
Collum emphasized that these technologies should assist developers rather than replace human creativity and judgment.
The studio is currently investigating allegations concerning the Complete Edition release.
Creative Assembly Asks Players to Avoid Targeting Developers
Collum acknowledged that players have legitimate reasons to criticize the release but urged the community not to direct harassment toward individual employees.
He specifically defended community managers, quality assurance staff, and designers who were carrying out their assigned responsibilities.
The executive said Creative Assembly intends to communicate further once it has meaningful information about the project's future.
For now, Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition remains withdrawn from sale, with no confirmed date for its return.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.