ESL FACEIT Group is facing online backlash after delving into the AI art trend, which has raised eyebrows among esports enthusiasts. The controversy stems from a particular tweet shared on X by ESL's Counter-Strike account on March 26th, 2025. The tweet featured four images with the caption 'if Counter-Strike was a Studio Ghibli movie,' aiming to evoke nostalgia for iconic moments in the game. However, rather than being well-received, the use of AI in creating these images sparked criticism from fans, who expressed disappointment at what they saw as a reliance on 'AI slop' instead of human artistic talent.
Online Response
One user on X expressed their disapproval, stating, "Posting AI garbage like this is so pathetic. It really takes away everything that makes these key moments in Counter-Strike so meaningful." Despite these negative reactions, some individuals, including esports commentator Michal Kabele, defended ESL's use of AI. Kabele highlighted the inevitability of AI's growing presence in various industries, including esports and art, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a broader technological shift.
AI Art Trend
The recent trend of AI-generated art imitating the renowned Studio Ghibli style, known for its captivating films such as Spirited Away, has gained traction online. ESL, a prominent figure in the esports scene, has been known for organizing competitive events for the Counter-Strike series, with Season 21 setting new viewership records despite a decline in viewership.
Industry Response
ESL is not the only esports entity to experiment with Studio Ghibli-inspired AI art. Organizations like FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming have also ventured into this territory, sparking mixed reactions from their respective communities. FaZe Clan, for instance, shared an AI art piece imagining the subathon as a Studio Ghibli movie, with founder Richard 'FaZe Banks' Bengston even contributing personal AI creations.
Community Reactions
Content creator Tyler 'McNasty' voiced his opinion on X, stating, "You could literally pay an artist $100 for this, and it would take them like four hours max. This is just lazy." The debate surrounding the use of AI in creating art continues to divide opinions within the esports and gaming communities.
