Animal Crossing players call out AI-enhanced screenshots after New Horizons 3.0

With Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 only a few weeks old, players have been posting freshly decorated islands — and some of those screenshots are being enhanced or even fabricated with generative AI, prompting backlash from parts of the community. Sharing stylized and edited Animal Crossing screenshots is a longstanding part of the game’s community, usually to boost lighting, shadows, or a desired vibe.

But Polygon reports that AI-enhanced images have started trending on X and elsewhere, often without disclosure that genAI was used. On X, user Cozyberru started a thread highlighting several trending images they say were likely made with genAI, pointing to telltale signs like “funky-looking numbers and warped textures.” They wrote, “I think it’s time we talk about the AI use in Animal Crossing aesthetic posts that are trending,” and asked creators to be honest: “All I am asking is to be honest and disclose your use of AI or editing.” Community members say undisclosed AI edits can confuse players trying to recreate layouts or obtain items.

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