AI is ruining haunted houses

In 2005, the author launched two projects, Plagiarism Today and Bernie Baxter's Traveling Sideshow, which are still ongoing. The author expressed disappointment at encountering AI-generated promotional materials at a haunted attraction, including a low-quality image with the Gemini diamond logo. This AI use is not limited to small haunts; larger attractions like Kennywood and The Darkness in St. Louis have also faced backlash. AI-generated promotional materials can misrepresent the haunted house experience, and it has seeped into the actual attractions, with some using AI for character design and props. The author believes that while AI can be used to improve the haunted house experience, it risks making the experience too generic.

• AI-generated promotional materials are increasingly used in haunted attractions.
• Examples include Kennywood and The Darkness in St. Louis.
• AI is used in character design, props, and merchandise, potentially misleading visitors.

The industry is technically advanced, using microcontrollers, LCD screens, and projectors for attractions. While AI is being used for non-customer-facing aspects like timing props and sound, it is also being used in the design phase to meet safety and accessibility requirements. However, some haunts use AI to draft backstories and character bibles, which can limit the creative control of human actors. The author believes that AI use in haunted attractions risks making the experience too generic and that the industry needs to focus on originality to survive and thrive. The author also notes that most haunts are keeping AI out of the attraction itself, with the exception of "Terrors from the Antique Mall" by an AI company.

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