PlayStation Replaces AI-Generated Avatars with Wallpapers Amid Controversy

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Recently, several large video game companies have faced criticism regarding their use of AI, and PlayStation is now part of that discussion. They haven’t announced any big plans for AI or added it to a new game, but they briefly featured some PS5 avatars that appeared to be AI-generated, causing concern. PlayStation has since replaced those avatars with different profile pictures.

A ResetEra user named J-Soul first noticed that some avatar rewards in PlayStation’s new advent calendar appeared to be created using AI. Shortly after, a Reddit user, FoFo1300, reported that PlayStation had swapped out those planned AI-generated avatars for simple phone wallpapers.

PlayStation Quietly Removed Free, Alleged “AI”, Avatars

Far From Sony’s Finest Work

There was some question about whether the initial avatars were created using artificial intelligence, but PlayStation taking down the rewards likely confirms it. Even a quick look makes it obvious – the AI-generated look is quite noticeable, especially the nonsensical writing meant to look like Japanese or Chinese in one of the cyberpunk profile pictures.

These AI avatars don’t automatically mean PlayStation is planning to use a lot more AI in its games. The avatars were likely created by a separate team, not the people who make PlayStation games. Sony taking down the avatar suggests they might be more cautious about using AI, especially if players express concerns, compared to Microsoft.

Wallpapers Have Replaced PlayStation’s Avatar Rewards

A Step In The Right Direction

While the mobile wallpapers are okay, PlayStation avatars are more desirable. Anything is better than boring, generic images, especially when you can easily use a screenshot of a game like Astro Bot or Kratos. It’s a shame the initial rewards weren’t updated quickly, though, as some AI-generated avatars have already started appearing.

Let’s hope PlayStation puts more thought into next year’s advent calendar. For a company of its size, commissioning some artwork for profile pictures shouldn’t be difficult, even if it doesn’t directly increase sales. The holiday season is about connecting with people, and these little details can really boost a brand’s image.

Sony could easily make things right by using existing character models or older images for their profile pictures. Honestly, even if they promote Aloy again, that’s fine. I’d rather see avatars from the game Concord than AI-generated images. Basically, anything PlayStation creates would be a step in the right direction.

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2025-12-06 00:49