Tunic, Night in the Woods Publisher Says TikTok Is Creating and Running Racist GenAI Ads for Its Games Without Permission

IGN

by Rebekah Valentine

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

**TikTok's Generative AI Ads Spark Controversy with Publisher Finji** In a recent development, indie game publisher Finji has accused TikTok of using generative AI to alter its ad content without authorization. The issue came to light when users flagged modified ads featuring harmful stereotypes of Finji's characters, such as June from *Usual June*. These AI-enhanced versions, which surfaced on TikTok, included inappropriate modifications like hyper-sexualized imagery, significantly deviating from the original, respectful depictions in the game. Finji, known for titles like *Tunic* and *Night in the Woods*, operates its own TikTok account with AI features disabled. However, generative AI tools like TikTok's "Smart Creative" automatically generate multiple ad variations by combining elements from user-created content. This feature, designed to optimize ad performance, led to unauthorized edits of Finji's ads. The offending versions included slideshow-style content and altered visuals, causing concern among fans who recognized the misrepresentation. The company learned about these issues through user reports on social media and its Discord server. Despite having AI features turned off, Finji found itself grappling with ads it couldn't control or edit directly. This lack of oversight highlighted a significant gap in TikTok's ad management system. Finji has since terminated the affected campaigns to prevent further dissemination of the modified content. This controversy underscores the broader implications for game developers and brands reliant on social media platforms. The unauthorized use of generative AI raises ethical concerns about brand integrity and user trust. As gaming companies increasingly rely on digital advertising, issues like these emphasize the need for clearer guidelines and greater control over AI-driven ad modifications. For gamers, this matters as it impacts their perception of beloved franchises and the authenticity of game promotions. Ultimately, the case highlights the challenges of balancing AI innovation with ethical practices, urging platforms to prioritize transparency and user accountability in their ad systems.

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Originally published on IGN on 2/20/2026