Nexon initiates investigation into allegations that AI-created advertisements for The First Descendant were utilized on TikTok
Updated as of August 20, 2025: Nexon has released an additional statement addressing issues with TikTok AI advertisements, expressing regret over any disruptions caused. The company highlighted that TikTok currently lacks a mechanism to verify potential copyright violations for ads submitted through the TikTok Creative Challenge.
In a statement on X/Twitter dated August 20, Nexon mentioned that the individual responsible for "unauthorized use of DanieltheDemon's content" has been banned. They assured that such creator-made ads are not used as typical posts on their official account, but rather appear when users access The First Descendant’s account through ads.
The company clarified that ads might have seemed as if they were posted and later removed, but reassured that this was not the case. Nexon promised to enhance how they review advertisements and marketing content.
The full statement reads:
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment regarding the TikTok Creative Challenge issue.
"This program encourages TikTok creators to voluntarily produce content for advertising purposes. On confirming with TikTok, we've learned that no current system verifies potential copyright infringements. TikTok is investigating to detect any additional issues.
"A confirmed incident involved another creator's unauthorized use of DanieltheDemon’s content, prompting TikTok to block that account due to guideline violations.
"To clarify, creator-made advertisement videos are not posted regularly on The First Descendant’s official TikTok account. They appear only when accessing the account via advertisements.
If the account is directly searched, creator videos aren't displayed. This new feature from TikTok was implemented on August 15, and thus videos might have seemed posted and deleted, which is not accurate.
We take these advertisement concerns seriously, acknowledging a lapse in maintaining marketing content authenticity and creators' rights.
To prevent such issues, we will refine our review processes, adding steps with our development team to improve these practices.
We're dedicated to transparency and accountability to regain our creators' and community’s trust.
We apologize deeply for the upset caused. Thank you for your understanding."
Original Report: Nexon launched an investigation after discovering potentially AI-generated TikTok ads for The First Descendant, including one misusing a creator's image without permission.
Following a viral Reddit post by iHardlyTriHard, containing four AI-like ads found within a short browsing time, the developer issued a statement.
The statement did not directly apologize for the AI ads but did mention an apology for delays in providing updates, as the review is ongoing. Nexon did not specify when they discovered the issue or when the investigation commenced.
Nexon reported identifying "irregularities" in operating its TikTok Creative Challenge, clarifying the campaign encourages creators to submit content for marketing. They underscored all videos had been "verified through TikTok's system."
"However, reports suggest some videos were produced under questionable circumstances," according to Nexon. Therefore, they are conducting a detailed joint investigation with TikTok.
"We apologize for the delay as the review is still progressing. Once completed, we will issue an official update. Thank you for your patience."
Nexon has yet to respond to DanieltheDemon's public concern about the unauthorized use of his likeness.