Manic Miner reboot trailer used AI

BBG Entertainment has confirmed it used artificial intelligence to create the trailer for its newly announced reboot of the ZX Spectrum classic Manic Miner. The Munich-based developer made the announcement this week, stating the game is being made with the approval of original 1983 designer Matthew Smith and is "better than ever."

The accompanying reveal trailer, however, prompted immediate scrutiny from observers. Signs of generative AI were evident throughout the video. These included modernised, anime-inspired graphics, upscaled assets from 1980s magazines, and a synthesised voiceover. One particularly memorable phrase from the voiceover was "GLOW-BALL LEADERBOARDZZZZ."

Comments on the YouTube video hosting the trailer were disabled, a detail noted by the source publication. This did not prevent retro gaming enthusiasts from sharing their mixed feelings on social media platforms.

Community Reaction

Game preservationist Frank Cifaldi commented on Bluesky, stating he was "Losing my mind at the 'CRT filter' for this new release of Manic Miner." He highlighted the inaccurate proportions of a television screen shown in promotional screenshots. In response to his post, another user questioned the target audience, asking, "How many people are within the Venn diagram of ZX spectrum enthusiasts that don’t mind genAI garbage?"

Publications Retro Gamer and Time Extension also noted the apparent use of AI in the trailer material. The source publication contacted BBG Entertainment directly to seek confirmation.

Developer's Explanation

Stephan Berendsen, founder of BBG Entertainment, responded. He explained the situation. The trailer was assembled ahead of the Gamescom expo in Cologne. The team was pressed for time. "We finished the build just in time for Gamescom and were running out of time for the press release and the trailer," Berendsen wrote. "So our artist created the trailer with the help of AI for the animations to speed things up."

Berendsen acknowledged the community's concerns. "We just thought it looks nice, but we understand the concerns the community has about AI and we will keep this in mind moving forward," he stated. He emphasized the studio's intention is to celebrate Matthew Smith and ensure future focus remains on that goal.

Not all reaction was negative. Some fans expressed acceptance on platforms like the World of Spectrum Facebook group. One user wrote, "I’m fine with it, don’t mind AI stuff," comparing the criticism to older generations complaining about computers.

The source article concludes by noting the growing backlash against AI in media, citing concerns over its impersonal aesthetic, the appropriation of artists' work without consent, and potential ecological impacts. The publication has contacted BBG to ask if AI will be used in the actual game's development or was restricted to the trailer, promising an update if a response is received.