Vapor World Faces Mixed Reactions as AI Cuts Draw Criticism
Vapor World: Over The Mind is making waves in the gaming community, but not all of them are good. This indie title combines the challenging elements of Soulslike games with a Metroidvania twist, all wrapped up in stunning art that draws comparisons to titles like Lies of P and the narrative-heavy works from Playdead. Developed by the small Korean studio Alive Inc., the game had built up quite a buzz with 100,000 wishlists ahead of its early access launch on August 19, thanks in large part to a demo released back in January 2025.
However, what should have been a victorious launch turned sour quickly. Instead of celebrating the unique world and intense parry combat, players fixated on one glaring issue: the heavy use of AI in the cutscenes, which was absent from the demo. One of the most notable reviews on Steam pointed out, “I saw the first cutscene, and the generative AI they used couldn’t maintain a consistent character model.” Many echoed the sentiment that while the gameplay looked fun, supporting AI over human artists was a big no for them.
As it stands, Vapor World has received a disappointing 64 “mostly negative” reviews. For a tiny studio of about five people, this backlash must feel pretty overwhelming. It’s interesting to note that in South Korea, where the game originates, the general sentiment towards AI is quite positive compared to countries like the US or UK, where skepticism runs high. A Pew Research Center survey indicated that only 16% of South Koreans express concerns about AI, unlike in other nations where fear and caution prevail.
In response to the uproar, studio director Young Kim stated that the AI-generated cutscenes would be replaced by the weekend—an action already taken. He admitted, “If someone asked me what I think about using AI, I would need to think it over deeply.” He explained that the reason for choosing AI was to achieve a level of artistic expression that their current resources couldn’t manage, allowing them to focus more on gameplay. However, he acknowledged this might have been a hasty decision and admitted that the results didn’t meet expectations.
Kim also mentioned, “We put a lot of effort into creating the story through hand-crafted cutscenes, but every attempt felt devastating. We believed AI could help us tell a complex narrative better, but if it hurt your experience, that’s on us.” This situation is part of a larger trend, as several studios have stepped back from AI use after negative feedback from players, including notable names like Larian Studios. While Vapor World has its merits, the backlash highlights that gamers are not ready to accept AI as a substitute for human creativity.
Looking at the broader picture of Steam’s top games, nothing too surprising popped up this week. Counter-Strike 2 and Apex Legends continue to dominate the charts, while Kingdom Hearts made a comeback thanks to a sale. Mortal Shell 2 made its debut at number 12, while the pre-orders for Wardogs shot it up to number 13. This could mean it will be a strong contender in the coming weeks as it approaches its September 11 release.
In the end, while the gaming landscape is evolving with new technologies, the reception of Vapor World serves as a reminder that players still value traditional artistry and storytelling. Time will tell how the industry adapts to the challenges and demands of its audience.
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