While recovering from a broken arm, Robin Ward fell in love with the free browser game The Roottrees are Dead, created by Jeremy Johnston. Although the game utilized AI-generated art, which Johnston deemed unethical for commercial use, its popularity on itch.io grew, garnering around $2,000 from over 10,000 players. Ward contacted Johnston to collaborate on a revamped Steam version with an illustrator, Henning Ludvigsen, who replaced the AI art with original illustrations over nearly a year. Despite mixed feelings about generative AI in the art community, Ludvigsen embraced the project, leading to a successful release in January 2025. The game received praise for its improved aesthetics and narrative coherence. Ward highlighted the unique journey of The Roottrees are Dead, reflecting on the evolving role of AI in game development. This case demonstrates how generative AI can spark creativity, ultimately paving the way for human artistry in the gaming industry.
How The Roottrees Found Success After Ditching AI
