Nadeshot Defends AI-Generated Gambling Ad, Calls Backlash 'Incredibly Dramatic'
Matthew 'Nadeshot' Haag, founder of esports organisation 100 Thieves, has addressed criticism of his use of artificial intelligence in a promotion for gambling sponsor Roobet, distinguishing it from a recent controversy involving his company's AI-assisted merchandise.
- 100 Thieves founder Nadeshot defended using an AI-generated video for a gambling promotion, calling the online reaction 'incredibly dramatic'.
- He differentiated his personal ad from 100 Thieves using AI for merchandise, a practice he stated he does not support from a business perspective.
- The criticism followed shortly after 100 Thieves had apologised for using AI in its RuneScape apparel collaboration.
Matthew 'Nadeshot' Haag, the founder of esports and apparel brand 100 Thieves, has responded to criticism regarding his use of artificial intelligence-generated videos to promote a gambling sponsor.
Haag argued that the backlash he received for an AI-assisted advertisement for operator Roobet has been disproportionate. The promotional post attracted negative attention, particularly as it was published soon after 100 Thieves had formally apologised for using AI in the design process for its RuneScape merchandise line.
Distinction Drawn Between Personal and Company AI Use
In his response, Haag drew a clear distinction between the two situations. He clarified that he was not in favour of his company using AI to create products that were then sold to consumers.
I don’t support the idea of using AI and copying and pasting a design to directly make money from a business perspective at 100 Thieves.
Conversely, Haag confirmed he had no issue with using the technology for his own promotional content for Roobet. "I used an AI video which I still love," he stated. He acknowledged that customers might be justifiably unhappy about purchasing the merchandise, but felt the controversy had escalated beyond a reasonable point.
I just don’t agree with the levels of drama that the internet takes things.
Haag described the general online reaction as excessive, stating his belief that "the internet is incredibly dramatic." He also directed pointed remarks at his critics, suggesting that many of the people contacting him "just don’t live in reality and just don’t have an independent thought of their own."
