Panache Digital Games confirmed it used AI to generate early versions of assets appearing in the playable prologue of its upcoming game 1666: Amsterdam released in June 2026 [1, 2]. The affected AI-generated assets include in-game portraits and external marketing materials that made their way into the prologue and promotional content [1, 2].
The studio, led by former Assassin's Creed creative director Patrice Désilets, issued a public apology for the oversight and any upset caused by the use of AI assets [1, 2]. In a statement, Panache said it has a team of over a dozen experienced artists who reviewed the questionable assets and confirmed the issue. It pledged to replace AI-generated assets with human-made versions in a forthcoming update [1]. The studio assured fans that neither the Early Access release nor the full version of 1666: Amsterdam will include AI-generated assets [1, 2].
The 30-minute prologue, released during the Summer Game Fest livestream, was timed to build anticipation for the full game [1, 2]. It was briefly available for free on platforms including the Epic Games Store and Steam, although distribution may have since stopped [1, 2]. User reviews gave the prologue a mixed rating, with some critics highlighting the AI asset use and technical issues while others praised the game’s atmosphere and comparisons to Assassin’s Creed 2 [1].
Panache Digital Games first announced 1666: Amsterdam in June 2024 [2]. The studio’s swift response signals a commitment to traditional artistry amid ongoing debates over AI in game development. The studio plans to release an update soon that will replace AI-generated content with handcrafted assets, reflecting its promise to maintain human-driven visuals for the full game [1].
