Creative Assembly has acknowledged the problems surrounding Total War: Shogun 2: Complete Edition and confirmed that a senior development team is working with Sega and the external developer to determine the next steps. The studio has also launched an investigation into concerns about generative AI in the game’s assets following criticism of the release.
In a statement shared by Roger from Creative Assembly, the studio admitted that the release had fallen short of its quality standards. Roger explained that Shogun 2: Complete Edition was developed externally and did not go through the same internal review and quality assurance processes as the studio’s own projects.
“However, whatever the development arrangements, Total War is our franchise and our name is on it,” Roger said, accepting responsibility for the game’s condition. He added that the studio had brought together a small team of senior developers to work with Sega and the external development team, although specific fixes and plans have yet to be announced.
Creative Assembly also addressed questions about the use of generative AI in its games. The studio said it does not use generative AI to create game assets, including artwork, and expects external development partners to follow the same policy. The circumstances surrounding Shogun 2: Complete Edition are now being investigated.
The studio clarified that it does use AI tools to support developers with tasks such as analysis, debugging, and rapid prototyping. Roger said the distinction lies in using technology to assist creative work rather than replace the people responsible for it.
The response follows criticism of the Complete Edition’s launch, with players raising concerns about visual quality, environmental lighting, map clipping, and other technical problems. Reports have also highlighted issues with siege pathfinding, general AI behaviour, input delays, cinematic audio synchronisation, and menu interfaces.
Roger asked the community to direct criticism towards studio leadership rather than individual developers and support staff. He said Creative Assembly would not tolerate harassment or personal attacks against its employees and pledged to provide another update when the team has meaningful information to share.
The studio has not yet outlined a timetable for the next fixes or explained what changes will be included in a future update.
