Development transparency // Public statement
I'm Drako, the developer of Renegades Vault. I started this project on my own with limited time and money. I want to be clear about where I have used AI, what I am changing, and what that means for the game.
The direct answer
I use AI-generated artwork for locations and events. Some earlier character artwork was also AI-generated, but I began replacing those character images with 3D models in April 2026. I plan to keep the location and event illustrations because I like their quality and believe they fit the game.
Player-facing artwork
With 3D models, I have much more control over how each character looks. I can keep their appearance consistent and control their poses, lighting, and future animations. I am still working through this change, so you may see older or placeholder images during the alpha.
Location and event artwork
The location and event illustrations also use AI-generated artwork. I like their style and quality, and I think they fit the world of Renegades Vault. Replacing all of them with commissioned alternatives would take a significant part of the project's limited budget. Right now, I believe that money will improve the game more when it is spent on programming, the 3D character pipeline, audio, testing, assets, and other production costs. I have no current plan to replace images that already work well simply because AI was used to make them.
Development assistance
I develop Renegades Vault alongside a full-time job. I do not have the time or resources of a full development studio. Without tools that speed up programming, debugging, research, and drafting, a project of this scope would take far longer to build.
AI helps me use the limited development time I have more effectively while still balancing my job and the rest of my life. I review and revise the work before it goes into the project. I still decide what the game should be, what gets included, and when a build is ready. The final responsibility is mine.
Labeled examples
These examples show the difference between the older character artwork, the current 3D character direction, and the location artwork that I plan to keep using.
Earlier character artwork
AI-generated character image. This type of character artwork is being replaced over time.
Current character direction
A 3D character model built for consistent posing, lighting, and future animation.
Location artwork
AI-generated Dustmere Rest artwork. I believe this style suits the game and plan to keep using it.
Verify the work
You can see the project's progress directly through the free Windows alpha, the public release history, and the development roadmap.