Former developers of the highly anticipated game, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, have recently spoken out about the troubling events surrounding the game’s production and release. In a tell-all interview with German gaming outlet Game Two, they disclosed some alarming allegations that shed light on an AI-generated apology message and a surprising gameplay reveal trailer fallout.
One of the most shocking claims made by the ex-employees is that the official apology message, which was shared on the game’s social media channels and attributed to the team at Daedalic Entertainment, was actually written using controversial AI software called ChatGPT. To make matters worse, the apology was posted without the studio’s knowledge by the game’s publisher, Nacon. It became obvious that an AI was involved as the apology opened with a glaring misspelling of the game’s title as The Lord of Ring: Gollum.
According to the former developers, this post-launch apology wasn’t the only thing made public without their consent. They also revealed that the initial gameplay trailer for Gollum took many by surprise, including some members of the development team. Whether it was due to the subpar quality of the assets used or the very existence of the trailer, the negative reaction from fans dealt a heavy blow to an already struggling studio. Daedalic Entertainment was already grappling with resource constraints and time limitations, resulting in a crunch-laden development process.
Our review of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum awarded the game a disappointing 3/10, highlighting its uninspired and outdated gameplay. The fanbase, who had hoped for a better gaming experience, were left disappointed by the final product. The revelations by the former employees shed light on the challenging circumstances faced by Daedalic during development and bring into question the management decisions made by the studio and the publisher.
As the fallout from the AI apology and trailer controversy continues, it remains to be seen how Daedalic Entertainment and Nacon will address these issues and regain the trust of both fans and developers. The Lord of the Rings enthusiasts had high expectations for this game, and they deserved better than what they received.
In the ever-evolving gaming industry, instances like these serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by developers and the importance of transparent communication between all stakeholders involved. The future of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum remains uncertain, but let’s hope that valuable lessons are learned from this experience to ensure a better gaming experience for fans and a healthier working environment for developers in the future.
