Earlier this week, someone leaked what they claim to be new Fallout-themed merchandise that will reportedly soon be available on Target shelves around the United States. But fans think that at least one piece of leaked merch is using AI-generated imagery, aka slop.
On September 2, a user on the Fallout subreddit posted a short video of them seemingly pulling out pieces of not-yet-announced Fallout-themed merchandise in a warehouse-like setting. The user claimed that the Fallout goodies would be sold at Target starting in November or December. The original video has since been deleted, possibly because the original poster was nervous about getting in trouble with Target. But Kotaku viewed the video before it was deleted, and the merch seemed real. And one item, Fallout-themed hot sauce, appears to be shipping to stores in a box that has AI-generated imagery on the back.
As spotted by PCGamesn, users in the comments below the leaked Target video began focusing on peculiarities in the hot sauce artwork. In the image, a couple is seen sitting at a table eating a Deathclaw’s hand. But the man can be seen using his knife and fork to cut up a napkin. The fork looks oddly shaped, too. Others pointed out that the Deathclaw hand seems to be floating oddly above the plate. The man’s right hand also seems off. All of this would lead one to believe this new Fallout merch is using AI-generated artwork.
Kotaku contacted Bethesda about the leaked art, but didn’t receive a response before publication. It should be noted that Bethesda likely contracted this artwork out via another company and didn’t create the image.
The use of AI-generated slop has become more and more prevalent in marketing and advertising over the last two years as companies desperate to make the line go up cut corners to prove to investors they aren’t being left behind as AI-powered tech continues to grow. In fact, this isn’t even the first time an official Fallout-related artwork has been scrutinized by fans for some strange, AI-like oddities. Will a man using a terrible fork to cut up a napkin stop collectors and fans from buying this piece of Fallout merch? Probably not, which is what companies are counting on.
