Party Animals faces backlash after announcing AI video contest with $15,000 prize

Party Animals is facing backlash from players after announcing a new AI-focused video contest called the Golden Paw Awards with a total prize pool of $75,000.

The physics-based multiplayer game revealed the details of the contest through its official social media accounts on May 12th.

According to the rules, participants must use generative AI as a “core creative tool” when creating their entries.

Acceptable tools include “AI-generated images, videos, music, voiceovers, 3D assets, and more.” Organizers also said that entries must feature “positive content input centered around the Party Animals IP.”

The contest includes several award categories, including Best Story, Best Creativity, Best Sound & Visual, and Player’s Choice. The grand prize winner will receive $15,000 along with the Golden Paw trophy.

After the announcement, players began criticizing the decision on social media and Steam.

Since then, the game has received a wave of negative reviews from users, with some players objecting to the use of generative AI in community content efforts.

One Steam review said, “If you’re going to force AI into my life, you’ll probably regret it.”

Another review said, “I don’t usually post negative reviews, but since it supports AI slop, I will.”

Another review said, “Promoting the AI’s laziness made it feel hostile.”

Some players have uninstalled the game from their Steam library, accusing the developer of being disconnected from community concerns surrounding AI-generated content.

As of this writing, the Party Animals development team has not publicly responded to criticism regarding the contest announcement.