Fans Outraged Over AI-Generated Art for Diablo Immortal Event

AI-crafted promo art sparks backlash

Activision Blizzard's mobile title Diablo Immortal launched the Dark Rebirth event with a set of promotional images — but the visuals were generated by AI, not drawn by human artists. The official Diablo Immortal account even noted the images were 'crafted with AI', which quickly provoked a storm of criticism from the community.

What fans are saying

Players on X and other social platforms pointed out typical AI artefacts: awkward anatomy, oversized fingers, and unnatural poses. Many framed the move as disrespectful to the artistic tradition of the Diablo series, arguing that generative models cannot reproduce the nuance, atmosphere, and craftsmanship that longtime artists bring to the franchise.

The reaction wasn't purely aesthetic. For some, it felt personal: Blizzard built a reputation on handcrafted visuals, from the painted cinematics of Diablo III to the grimy dungeons of Diablo II. Using machine-made imagery for event promotion struck many as a shortcut and a betrayal of that legacy.

Industry context and layoffs

The backlash comes against a broader backdrop of controversy over AI in games and recent workforce reductions. Last year several studios announced AI-driven tools and workflows, prompting debates about job displacement and creative quality. Blizzard itself was affected by industry layoffs, which makes the sight of AI replacing human creatives in promotional roles look especially tone-deaf to critics.

Reports and analyses from outlets like Forbes and Windows Central emphasize that while generative AI can produce striking results quickly, it often lacks the subtlety required for high-end game production. Fans are noticing those shortcomings and responding accordingly.

What this might mean for Blizzard

Blizzard may have intended the AI art as an experiment or a cost-saving measure, or simply a way to test new tools. Regardless of intention, the move risks damaging trust with a community that prizes handcrafted worldbuilding. If the studio wants to use AI responsibly, transparent communication and clear policies about when and how AI is used will be crucial to avoid further alienating players.

Ultimately, Diablo fans value the human stories, characters, and artistic sweat behind the imagery. When promotional art is seen as a shortcut, the community's reaction shows how high the stakes are for creative choices in beloved franchises.