Crunchyroll faced fan backlash over AI-generated subtitles in Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show, with the issue tied to broader concerns about AI in anime localization.
News snapshot
- Typos and even “ChatGPT said” gave the game away
- Errors were found in “Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show”
- Anime fandom debates AI vs human localization
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When using ChatGPT to write things, it's highly recommended that an editor has a read, to ensure accuracy. It can be embarrassing if you miss something ...
Indeed, Sony-owned anime streaming platform Crunchyroll has faced fan backlash after fans discovered subtitles that gave obvious signs that the text was AI-generated.
“Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show”, a new series by Studio Gokumi, featured subtitle text that even included “ChatGPT said” at the start of some lines, and also contained other examples of AI artefacts and errors.
Previously, earlier this year, Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini claimed the platform was “not considering AI in the creative process”, and it would seek to preserve authenticity and protect voice actors.
Amongst the backlash were calls from industry representatives for professional translators; meanwhile, some Japanese labor groups called for regulation on AI use in entertainment.
