Creative Assembly Says It Took Eyes Off Shogun 2 Complete Edition
The studio says an external team handled the Complete Edition without its usual quality checks, and a senior group is now working with Sega on next steps.
Creative Assembly has published a statement addressing the problems with Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition, saying the studio took its eyes off the external development of the release, according to PCGamesN.
Total War Vice President Roger Collum said the Complete Edition was developed by an external studio, Mataboo, and was not subject to Creative Assembly's internal reviews and quality assurance. He added that the studio's teams were focused on its next big projects, which left the external work without close oversight.
Collum said a small team of senior developers has been assembled to work with Sega and the external developer on next steps, and that the situation is being investigated.
The statement also addressed generative AI. Collum said Creative Assembly does not use it to create game assets, including AI-generated art, and requires the same of external developers. He said AI tools may be used to support analysis, debugging or prototyping but should not replace creators.
Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition was released last week before being pulled from sale days later. Questions had been raised about the look of some areas, including unit frames and cutscenes. The original version of Total War: Shogun 2 is available again, but there is no word yet on whether or when the Complete Edition will return.
Quick answers
Who developed Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition?
It was developed by the external studio Mataboo, according to Creative Assembly's Roger Collum.
Is Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition still available?
It was pulled from sale days after release. Creative Assembly has not said whether or when it will return, though the original Total War: Shogun 2 is available again.
Does Creative Assembly use generative AI for game assets?
Collum said the studio does not use generative AI to create game assets, and requires external developers to follow the same rule.