Minecraft, a beloved game known for unlocking limitless creativity and self-expression in its players, has received an AI desktop app that absolutely nobody asked for, courtesy of TSM. The well-known North American esports org have, bizarrely, announced OSU.ai, a desktop app for Minecraft Java edition that claims to create any structure in seconds.
Which is, to everyone that’s ever played a game, the entire point of the game. Does TSM know that?
TSM’s OSU.ai: What is it?
In a post to their Twitter/X account, TSM introduced their latest project. The video posted showed the desktop AI app creating Minecraft builds out of user prompts, like a Japanese castle which conveniently cuts off before showing the (presumably) empty interior.
It seems an apt metaphor for an AI product to create something that may look momentarily appealing on the outside, but is completely void of any substance or depth inside. The video showcased other wonders such as “castle”, “spaceship”, and “tree” to really get those creative juices flowing.
The app also promises retexturing for the world and for character skins, alongside private servers, while the website promises to “make the world custom and yours”, as if that wasn’t the entire conceit of Minecraft since 2011.
How did the community react?
Fan reaction was as to be expected, with largely negative comments underneath questioning the point of an AI app that does all the playing in a video game and whether or not TSM has lost the plot as an esports org.
Other users showed what human builders in Minecraft have made, without the need of an AI thinking for them.
For anyone struggling to create a build or realize their vision in Minecraft, there are countless guides and inspirition videos online from passionate small creators. Building something, even in a video game setting, is fun and gives a unique feeling of satisfaction made even better by sharing it with friends.
AI apps like this suck away that joy, and while typing a prompt to “build” a structure might sound fun or interesting at first, the novelty of instant gratification won’t last. Play with your friends, build something ugly in Minecraft, and be creative. They made a whole movie about that.
