Overwatch 2 Withdraws Controversial AI Art Advertisement for New Plush Toy
Gaming/News

Overwatch 2 Withdraws Controversial AI Art Advertisement for New Plush Toy

Overwatch 2 has retracted an advertisement for its Busan Cow plush because it featured likely AI-generated art, provoking backlash from the community.

Overwatch 2 recently faced criticism over the use of an advertisement featuring AI-generated art for its new Busan Cow YouTooz Plush. Although the advertisement was quickly taken down, players were quick to identify the problematic artwork as it first emerged.

The inflatable cow, a popular feature on the game’s Busan map, was transformed into a collectible plush by the company YouTooz. However, fans were unhappy with the advertisement which appeared to employ generative AI for the background, featuring distorted depictions of characters like D.Va, Tracer, and Genji, leading to backlash online. Many comments expressed disappointment over Blizzard’s decision to use AI art instead of traditional artwork.

Blizzard removed the contentious image within an hour of its posting without a replacement offered.

Despite the controversy, the adorable Busan Cow plush remains available on the Blizzard Gear Store for $38, not including shipping and taxes.

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